Visual Basic on the PC with Windows 3.1
4 days ago
- #Retro Computing
- #Microsoft History
- #Visual Programming
- The article compares HyperCard and Visual Basic as visual programming environments, both beloved but eventually discontinued.
- Bill Gates' business strategy focused on dominating the PC market through tactics like absorbing competitors' ideas, as seen with Visual Basic's origins from Alan Cooper's Tripod.
- Visual Basic 3.0 is explored in a retro computing setup, highlighting its IDE features, learning curve, and limitations compared to HyperCard's creative flexibility.
- Steve Jobs criticized Microsoft for lacking 'taste' in product design, contrasting Gates' efficiency-driven approach with Apple's focus on innovation and aesthetics.
- The article reflects on the legacy of visual programming tools and questions what modern equivalents from Apple or Microsoft might be revered in the future.