Product: Total VB SourceBook

Summary: Total VB SourceBook is an indexed repository of Visual Basic source code you can easily paste into your own projects. It also serves as a database for your custom functions and procedures. With over 60,000 lines of code in twenty-seven categories, you’ll increase your productivity by avoiding reinventing the wheel.

Suggested List Price: $399.00 ($1299 for 5 developers)

Total VB SourceBook calls itself "The Ultimate Code Library for Visual Basic", and from what I can see it lives up to that claim. Over 60,000 lines of well-commented code are categorized and indexed and ready for cutting and pasting into your programs.

FMS, Inc. is known for its Access Database development tools and consulting services. Its staff includes book authors, Microsoft MVP recipients, and Microsoft Certified Professionals. FMS, Inc. has been developing software and tools since 1986.

Total VB SourceBook includes a manual and CD-ROM. The manual covers multi-user installations and the Code Explorer in good detail. You should examine the section on installation, especially if you are installing for multiple users. It explains several different setup strategies that you need to be aware of.

I found the Code Explorer easy to use. Searching for a particular function is as simple as clicking the binoculars icon and entering a few search words. A search on "TreeView", for example, found thirteen procedures, ranging from displaying the contents of an ADO recordset in an unbound TreeView to searching for text.

Total VB SourceBook includes simple procedures, complex classes, and sample code to show you how it all fits together. I was a bit disappointed with the samples. Rather than simply loading a project and seeing how the code works, you must follow the instructions on creating a form with the proper controls and names before pasting in the sample code. However, the instructions are easy to follow and the samples work well.

And there are a lot of samples. The code is divided into twenty-seven categories: Abstract Data Types, Application Techniques, Clipboard Operations, Control enhancements, Data Type and Unit Conversion, Database functions, Date and Time, Encryption and Compression, File and Disk Operations, Fonts, Forms, Graphics, INI Files, Internet and Web, Interoperability (Access, Excel, Word), Math, Menus, Multimedia, Printing, Registry, Searching and Sorting, String Handling, System Information, Windows Common Dialogs, and Windows Help.

I found the Error Handling class code especially useful considering VB’s lackluster error handling abilities. Each procedure or class includes extensive commenting in the code, a Notes tab that contains "Help File" type information, an Example tab with instructions and code for a sample project, and a Details tab with information about the procedure that you can supply whenever you actually use it.

That aspect of Total VB SourceBook is as important as the code you will utilize. I know that I’ve rewritten procedures, and other programmers at my office are also reinventing wheels I’ve already built. The ability to easily document, index, and store procedures in multi-programmer projects is invaluable. You can modify a procedure in the database and instantly see which projects and routines will be affected.

The only thing I found lacking was that the package had no source code for many of the more difficult yet useful Windows API procedures. For example, the Multimedia category contains classes for using the MCI interface but is missing routines for using the low-level audio API. Neither the Graphics nor Multimedia categories contain any DirectX procedures. The package can instantly catapult you into the ranks of a proficient VB programmer, but it can’t turn you into an expert on the Windows API.

There are a few exceptions, such as in the Internet and Web category. There you will find FTP and HTTP classes that allow you to create FTP servers and both FTP and HTTP clients without the need for controls. Other gems are scattered throughout the package, with useful information in every category.

Anyone starting on their first VB project needs Total VB SourceBook. While more experienced programmers will already know many of the techniques and procedures in this database, everyone will find something to use. The ability to add and index your own procedures in a multi-programmer environment makes this a tool no VB programmer should be without. Download the trial version today at www.fmsinc.com/script/vbsbtrial.asp and watch your productivity increase.