I've been using a Mac for a long time and I'm interested in learning Visual Basic since my work mainly involves PCs and I'm experienced with Excel, including Macros. I understand that the most suitable platform for Visual Basic isn't accessible on Mac, and I'm curious why that is. What options do I have for downloading it? What will it cost? I'd also appreciate any additional advice on this matter.
5 Answers
Honestly, Visual Basic seems to be on its way out. Microsoft hasn't supported VB.NET development in a while, so it might not be the best choice for your first programming language. Since you're already good with Excel macros, I suggest considering Python instead. It's far more relevant and works really well on a Mac. If you're keen on Microsoft technologies, C# is a solid option with future prospects, and you can run it on a Mac using .NET Core.
Yeah, C# sounds like a great alternative for you!
If you're really eager for a Visual Basic-like experience on Mac, Xojo could be an option. You can tinker around with it for free. However, the cost to compile and share your projects has skyrocketed if you aren’t a business. Just a heads-up!
Xojo does sound interesting, but that price point is a bummer!
Good to know! Definitely something to consider before committing.
You should clarify if you mean classic Visual Basic or VB.NET. Classic VB support ended back in April 2008, and it's pretty much considered dead. If that's what you're looking into, you might want to reconsider your choice.
You could try JetBrains Rider; it supports Visual Basic on macOS for free if it's for non-commercial use. Just keep that in mind while exploring your options!
Learning Visual Basic these days is a bit like asking for a Yugo at a car dealership - not the most practical choice anymore! Maybe focus on mastering it within Excel instead?
I totally agree! Python is much more versatile and useful in many ongoing projects.