The easiest way to learn programming essentials

This up-to-date introductory guide to programming focuses on basics, teaching fundamental concepts and hands-on techniques to beginners. The book introduces you to real-world programming using Microsoft's free but powerful Visual Basic 2008 Express Edition.

Unlike other so-called introductory guides to programming, Programming: A Beginner's Guide stays focused on exactly the information beginners need to know. Step-by-step tutorials take you through the process of creating practical programs for Windows. Plenty of examples of executable code are available for download from the book's website.

Part I: Introduction to Programming

1. Introduction to Programming

2. Writing Your First Program

3. Exploring the Editor

4. Creating A User Interface

Part II: The Elements of Programming

5. Mastering Variables

6. Using Arrays

7. Looping for Repetitive Tasks

8. Making Decisions with Branching

PART III: Building Practical Programs

9. Organizing a Large Program

10. Managing Data

11. Tracking Down Errors

12. Getting Help

13. Where to Go from Here

Part IV: Appendices

A: The Basic Language Reference

B: Glossary

Richard Mansfield is an authority on Visual Basic. He is the author of several books, including How to Do Everything: Second Life. Richard's books have sold more than 600,000 copies worldwide and have been translated into 12 languages.