Programming with XML has traditionally been done using the DOM API, XSLT and XPath. Using this approach, the developer not only needs to understand XML, but also needs to become proficient in these additional technologies in order to be productive.

Visual Basic 9.0 provides an alternative to the traditional approach through the implementation of the new LINQ to XML (formerly known as XLinq) features and incorporating XML literals and “axis” properties that simplify accessing and navigating XML structures. One of these new features, specifically XML literals, is unique to the Visual Basic language in Visual Studio 2008 and provides a distinctive approach to programming with XML. In addition, enhanced user experience and debugging support within Visual Studio helps improve a developer’s productivity while working with XML.

In these videos, using a realistic application, we will look at the new features and capabilities available in Visual Basic 9.0 that relate to programming with XML.