Paraphrased from the Visual Basic Programmer's Journal February 2000 Issue

March 1988---Microsoft Buys Tripod

Alan Cooper, the 'father' of Visual Basic, shows a drag-and-drop shell prototype called Tripod to Bill Gates. Microsoft negotiates to buy the concept, now code-named Ruby. The Tool includes a widget control box, the ability to add widgets dynamically, and a small language engine.

1991---PowerSoft's Powerbuilder Debuts

DataWindow gives point-and-click SQL data access.

March 20, 1991---VB1 Debuts at Windows World

Microsoft marries QuickBasic to Ruby shell app and gives it a new code name: Thunder. The result is the first tool that lets you create Windows apps quickly, easily, and visually. Features include a drag-and=drop control toolbox, codeless UI creation, and an event-oriented programming model.

May 1991---Third Party Market Born

Several standard-setting add-ons become available at or slightly after VB1's introduction, including MicroHelp's VBTools.

May 1991---Sheridan Software's VBAssist Debuts

First add-on to integrate directly into the IDE

March 1992---VB 2.0 Toolkit (Rawhide) Released

This toolkit integrated several third-party tools into a single package, putting controls in the hands of many VB developers for the first time. It provided instrumental in helping VB's third party market achieve critical mass.

November 1992---VB2 Debuts

Adds ODBC Level 1 support, MDI forms, and object variables. First version to feature the Professional Edition.

November 1992---Microsoft Access Ships

It brings VB's combination of extensibility, ease-of-use, and visual point-and-click emphasis to a Relational Database. It also includes a macro language called Access BASIC that contains a subset of VB 2.0's core syntax.

June 1993---VB3 Debuts

Integrates the Access Engine (Jet), OLE Automation and reporting.

May 1995---Borland's Delphi Debuts

The perennial preview for the features you'll find in the next VB release.

Fall 1996---Internet Explorer 3.0 Ships

Features include VBScript, which contains a subset of VB. It lets developers leverage their existing VB skills in Web programming.

October 1996---VB4 Debuts

Permits you to create your own add-ins. Also introduces classes and OCX's.

Winter 1996---NT Option Pack 4 Released

Includes Internet Information Server 3.0, which includes ASP. Enabled VB programmers to leverage their existing skills on Web servers.

January 1997---Microsoft Office 97 Debuts

Developer Edition integrates VBA into all Office apps (except Outlook which uses VBScript)

April 1997---VB5 Debuts

Incorporates compiler, WithEvents, and the ability to create ActiveX controls.

October 1998---VB6 Debuts

Introduces WebClasses, windowless controls, data designers, new reporting designers, and the ability to create data sources.

February 2002---VB.Net Debuts

April 2003---VB.Net 2003 Debuts

November 2005---VB.Net 2005 Debuts

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