Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 Unleashed

Chapter 2. A Quick Tour of the IDE

IN THIS CHAPTER

• Installing Visual Studio

• The Start Page

• Your First Project

• The Menu Bar

• The Many Toolbars

• The Toolbox

• The Visual Designers

• The Text Editors

• The Solution Explorer

• The Properties Window

• Managing the Many Windows of the IDE

When you’re traveling on unfamiliar ground, it’s often wise to consult a tour guide. At a minimum, a quick check of the map is in order before you set out for new adventures. The same holds true for approaching a new development tool the size and breadth of Visual Studio 2008. It is wise to familiarize yourself a bit with the tool before starting that first project off on the wrong foot.

This chapter is meant to be your quick, to-the-point guide. It serves to orient you before you set out. ...