This chapter will introduce the integrated development environ- ment (IDE) and show you how to create your first Visual Basic .NET application. While this application is more fun than a real- world example, it will demonstrate Visual Basic .NET’s versatility in creating applications with text, graphics, and user interaction. You will be introduced to development standards from the very first application and continue to use them throughout the text. It is important to follow these standards, because they will improve the readability of your application and reduce the effort it takes to maintain them. There’s an old expression that a book is often judged by its cover. This holds true for the applications you develop as well. In the first few seconds users view your application, they will develop an initial evaluation of its quality. Therefore, the aesthetic nature of your application is important. You will spend a good portion of this chapter familiarizing yourself with the tools Visual Basic .NET pro- vides to assist you in developing aesthetically pleasing applications. It only takes a few more minutes to make your applications look professional. It’s time well spent.