OOP for Dummies:
VB.NET Console
Applications
Programming Part 7B
Chibi Tinodaishe – 0781081816(WhatsApp)
(Simple Notes for Zimsec Computer Science – Module Programming Part 7B)
Chapter 1: What Is Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)?
Definition:
OOP is a programming style based on the concept of “objects” that have properties (data)
and methods (actions). It makes it easier to structure and manage code by mimicking real-
life things.
The 4 Key Principles:
1. Encapsulation: Grouping data (attributes) and methods (functions) in a single unit
(class).
2. Inheritance: Creating new classes that reuse, extend, or modify the behavior of
existing classes.
3. Polymorphism: Allowing methods to do different things based on the object calling
them (method overriding).
4. Abstraction: Hiding complex details and showing only the necessary features of an
object.
Chapter 2: Getting Started with VB.NET Console Applications
What is VB.NET?
VB.NET is a programming language by Microsoft that is easy to learn. Console applications
are programs that run in a command-line window.
Creating a Console App:
• Open Visual Studio.
• Select “Console App (.NET Framework)” in VB.NET.
• Write your code in the provided editor.
• Press F5 to run your application.
Chapter 3: Classes and Objects
Class: A blueprint that defines properties and methods.
Object: An instance of a class.
Example – Creating a Simple “Person” Class:
Module Module1
Sub Main()
' Create a new Person object
Dim person1 As New Person("John", 25)
person1.DisplayInfo()
Console.ReadLine() ' Pause to view output
End Sub
End Module
Public Class Person
' Private variables (Encapsulation)
Private _name As String
Private _age As Integer
' Constructor: used to create objects
Public Sub New(ByVal name As String, ByVal age As Integer)
_name = name
_age = age
End Sub
' A method to display information about the person
Public Sub DisplayInfo()
Console.WriteLine("Name: " & _name)
Console.WriteLine("Age: " & _age)
End Sub
End Class
Key Points:
• The constructor (Sub New) sets up the object when it’s created.
• DisplayInfo() shows the object's data.
Chapter 4: Encapsulation
What Is It?
Encapsulation keeps the data safe inside a class and only allows access via methods
(getters and setters).
Example – Using Properties in VB.NET:
Public Class Student
' Private variables
Private _studentName As String
Private _marks As Integer
' Property for _studentName
Public Property StudentName() As String
Get
Return _studentName
End Get
Set(ByVal value As String)
_studentName = value
End Set
End Property
' Property for _marks
Public Property Marks() As Integer
Get
Return _marks
End Get
Set(ByVal value As Integer)
If value >= 0 And value <= 100 Then
_marks = value
Else
Console.WriteLine("Invalid marks!")
End If
End Set
End Property
End Class
Tip: Use properties to protect your data and control how it is accessed.
Chapter 5: Inheritance
What Is It?
Inheritance allows a class to inherit attributes and methods from another class.
Example – Animal and Dog Classes:
' Base Class
Public Class Animal
Public Overridable Sub Speak()
Console.WriteLine("The animal makes a sound.")
End Sub
End Class
' Derived Class inherits from Animal
Public Class Dog
Inherits Animal
' Override the Speak method
Public Overrides Sub Speak()
Console.WriteLine("The dog barks.")
End Sub
End Class
Usage:
When you call the Speak method on a Dog object, it uses the overridden version.
Chapter 6: Polymorphism
What Is It?
Polymorphism means “many forms” – the same method can behave differently on different
classes.
Example – Continuing from the Animal/Dog Example:
Module Module1
Sub Main()
Dim myAnimal As Animal = New Animal()
Dim myDog As Animal = New Dog() ' Notice: declared as Animal type
myAnimal.Speak() ' Outputs: The animal makes a sound.
myDog.Speak() ' Outputs: The dog barks.
Console.ReadLine()
End Sub
End Module
Key Idea:
Even though both objects are of type Animal, the Dog class’s Speak method is called for
myDog.
Chapter 7: Abstraction
What Is It?
Abstraction hides complex details and shows only the essential features.
How?
• Use abstract classes or interfaces (VB.NET uses “MustInherit” for abstract classes).
Example – Abstract Class for Shapes:
Public MustInherit Class Shape
Public MustOverride Function Area() As Double
End Class
Public Class Circle
Inherits Shape
Private _radius As Double
Public Sub New(ByVal radius As Double)
_radius = radius
End Sub
Public Overrides Function Area() As Double
Return Math.PI * _radius * _radius
End Function
End Class
Public Class Rectangle
Inherits Shape
Private _width, _height As Double
Public Sub New(ByVal width As Double, ByVal height As Double)
_width = width
_height = height
End Sub
Public Overrides Function Area() As Double
Return _width * _height
End Function
End Class
Remember:
Abstract classes help you define a common interface for related classes while hiding the
underlying details.
Chapter 8: Putting It All Together – A Simple Console Application
Example – A Simple School App (Mini-Project):
Module Module1
Sub Main()
' Create a Student object and display info
Dim student1 As New Student
student1.StudentName = "Alice"
student1.Marks = 85
Console.WriteLine("Student Name: " & student1.StudentName)
Console.WriteLine("Student Marks: " & student1.Marks)
' Demonstrate inheritance and polymorphism
Dim animal1 As Animal = New Animal()
Dim animal2 As Animal = New Dog()
animal1.Speak() ' Calls Animal's Speak
animal2.Speak() ' Calls Dog's Speak
Console.ReadLine()
End Sub
End Module
Public Class Student
Private _studentName As String
Private _marks As Integer
Public Property StudentName() As String
Get
Return _studentName
End Get
Set(ByVal value As String)
_studentName = value
End Set
End Property
Public Property Marks() As Integer
Get
Return _marks
End Get
Set(ByVal value As Integer)
If value >= 0 And value <= 100 Then
_marks = value
Else
Console.WriteLine("Invalid marks!")
End If
End Set
End Property
End Class
Public Class Animal
Public Overridable Sub Speak()
Console.WriteLine("The animal makes a sound.")
End Sub
End Class
Public Class Dog
Inherits Animal
Public Overrides Sub Speak()
Console.WriteLine("The dog barks.")
End Sub
End Class
Note: This mini-project shows a bit of everything: creating objects, using properties, and
demonstrating inheritance/polymorphism.
Chapter 9: Exam Tips for Zimsec Computer Science
• Understand Concepts:
Make sure you know the four pillars (Encapsulation, Inheritance, Polymorphism,
Abstraction).
• Practice Code:
Write and run small programs—modify examples to see different outcomes.
• Know the Syntax:
Be comfortable with VB.NET syntax for defining classes, properties, methods, and
constructors.
• Review Past Questions:
Look at exam questions related to OOP and try to code the solutions.
• Keep It Simple:
In exams, clarity matters. Use clear naming for classes and methods.
Chapter 10: Conclusion and Further Reading
Congratulations! You now have a concise set of notes on OOP using VB.NET for console
applications. Remember, practice is key. Experiment with these examples and try building
your own small projects. For further reading, check out:
• Microsoft’s official VB.NET documentation.
• Online tutorials and forums like Stack Overflow.
These notes are designed to get you exam-ready. Stay focused, code often, and you’ll ace
those Zimsec Computer Science questions!
