Visual Basic .NET: Learning Path & Resources.

Visual Basic .NET (VB.NET) is a high-level, object-oriented programming language that is widely used for developing Windows applications, web applications and mobile applications. It is a powerful and flexible language that has been designed to be easy to learn and use.

Prerequisite for learning:

To learn VB.NET, you should have a basic understanding of programming concepts such as variables, data types, control structures and functions. Familiarity with the Windows operating system and the .NET framework is also helpful.

Step-By-Step Learning Path For Visual Basic .Net / VB.NET:

1. Start with the basic syntax of Visual Basic .NET: Learn the fundamentals of Visual Basic .NET, including the syntax, data types, variables, and control structures.
2. Learn how to use Visual Studio: Visual Studio is the Integrated Development Environment (IDE) used to write, debug, and deploy VB.NET applications. Learn how to use Visual Studio to create a VB.NET project, add controls, and write code.
3. Create User Interfaces: Learn how to create user interfaces using forms and controls in VB.NET.
4. Learn Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) concepts: Learn the basics of OOP, such as classes, objects, inheritance, and polymorphism.
5. Work with Databases: Learn how to work with databases in VB.NET using ADO.NET to perform CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations.
6. Learn LINQ: Learn how to use LINQ to query and manipulate data in VB.NET.
7. Master Advanced Concepts: Learn advanced concepts like threading, asynchronous programming, debugging, and error handling.
8. Create Web Applications: Learn how to create web applications using VB.NET and ASP.NET.
9. Build Desktop Applications: Learn how to build desktop applications using VB.NET, including Windows Forms, WPF, and UWP applications.
10. Build Mobile Applications: Learn how to build mobile applications using VB.NET, including Xamarin.Forms.
11. Build Game Development: Learn how to build games using VB.NET.
12. Explore the VB.NET Frameworks: Learn about VB.NET frameworks like .NET Core, .NET Standard, and .NET Framework.
13. Participate in Community: Participate in online communities like forums, blogs, and social media to get help and learn from other VB.NET developers.
14. Build a Portfolio: Build a portfolio of projects to showcase your VB.NET skills to potential employers.
15. Keep Learning: Stay up-to-date with the latest trends, technologies, and frameworks in VB.NET. Keep learning by reading blogs, watching videos, and attending conferences.

Top 20 Learning Resource URL Links:

1. Microsoft Visual Basic .NET documentation: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/visual-basic/
2. Visual Basic .NET Tutorials: https://www.tutorialspoint.com/vb.net/
3. Visual Basic .NET for Beginners: https://www.tutorialspoint.com/vb.net/vb.net_basic_syntax.htm
4. Udemy Visual Basic .NET Course: https://www.udemy.com/course/visual-basic-net/
5. Pluralsight Visual Basic .NET Course: https://www.pluralsight.com/courses/visual-basic-dotnet-fundamentals
6. Lynda.com Visual Basic .NET Course: https://www.lynda.com/Visual-Basic-NET-training-tutorials/1235-0.html
7. DotNetPerls Visual Basic .NET Tutorial: https://www.dotnetperls.com/vbnet
8. Visual Basic .NET Programming Cookbook: https://www.oreilly.com/library/view/visual-basicnet-programming/0596003218/
9. Visual Basic .NET Programming for Beginners: https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/visual-basic-tutorial/
10. Codecademy Visual Basic .NET Course: https://www.codecademy.com/learn/learn-visual-basic-net
11. Visual Basic .NET Core Reference: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/visual-basic/getting-started/
12. Visual Basic .NET Code Examples: https://www.dreamincode.net/forums/topic/152772-vbnet-code-snippets/
13. VB.NET Developer Center: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/visual-basic/getting-started/
14. Visual Basic .NET Tips and Tricks: https://www.c-sharpcorner.com/article/top-10-tips-and-tricks-for-visual-basic-net/
15. VB Toolbox: https://www.vbtoolbox.com/
16. Visual Basic .NET Forum: https://www.vbforums.com/forum.php
17. VB Helper: https://vb-helper.com/
18. VB.NET Heaven: http://vbnetheaven.com/
19. Visual Basic .NET Programming Resources: https://www.thoughtco.com/visual-basic-net-resources-373401
20. The Complete Visual Basic .NET Course: https://www.udemy.com/course/visual-basic-net-the-complete-course/

What To Learn After this language for better future:

After learning VB.NET, you may want to expand your skills by learning other programming languages such as C#, Java, or Python. Additionally, you may want to learn more about web development frameworks such as React or Angular.

Top 5 Advantages in detail:

1. Easy to learn – VB.NET is designed to be easy to learn and use, making it a good choice for beginners.
2. Integration with .NET – VB.NET is integrated with the .NET framework, which provides a wide range of libraries and tools for developers.
3. Graphical User Interfaces – VB.NET makes it easy to create graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for Windows applications.
4. Object-oriented programming – VB.NET supports object-oriented programming (OOP), which is a powerful and flexible programming paradigm.
5. Rapid Application Development (RAD) – VB.NET supports rapid application development, allowing developers to quickly create and prototype applications.

Top 5 Disadvantages in detail:

1. Performance – VB.NET may not be as fast as some other programming languages, which can be a disadvantage when working with large datasets or complex algorithms.
2. Compatibility – VB.NET code written for older versions of the language may not be compatible with newer versions, requiring additional work to update code.
3. Limited cross-platform support – VB.NET is primarily used for developing Windows applications and may not be the best choice for developing applications for other platforms.
4. Complexity – VB.NET can become complex as codebases grow larger and more complex, making it difficult to maintain over time.
5. Community – While VB.NET has a dedicated community of developers, it is not as large or active as some other programming languages, which can limit the availability of resources and support.