In this lesson we look at how to use the Random Number Generator in Visual Basic to make a Dice Rolling Simulator.
We then do modifications to build a Version 2 of the Program where we add Results Statistics to the Program to check that the expected Probabilities for our Dice Rolling are correct.
The Step by Step Guide which is available below for this lesson shows exactly what needs to be done.
Also included are all of the Design Principles and Theory behind what is being done at each stage of application development.
This includes the full Application Design Process of creating and including "Mock Up" or "Layout Diagram" annotated designs for Forms, as well as Form "Object Descriptions", "Pseudocode", and a "Data Dictionary" of program code variable names.
Included in the resources for this lesson are the complete Visual Basic Code Listings for all progressive versions of the Application which we build, as well as Form Designs and Program Pseudocode.
Note that the example Lesson Images shown on this web page are basic Printscreens, whereas the actual original Images are of perfect clarity and quality in the downloadable PDF Guide for this lesson.
LESSON OVERVIEW
This lesson consists of a Video Presentation where we cover the following:
- Introduction and Overview
- Examples of Finished Dice Rolling Programs
- How to Create the Program Form
- How to do an official "Mock Up" Screen Design
- How to "Annotate" (or Label) the Mock Up Design
- Finishing off and completing the Mock Up Design
- How to make an "Object Descriptions" Table
- How to make the "Pseudocode" for the Program Design
- How to make the "Data Dictionary" for the Program Variables
- How to make Random Numbers in Visual Basic
- How to Write the Visual Basic Program Code
- Testing the completed Dice Roll Program
If all you need to do is Learn Random Numbers, then you can stop and finish the Lesson here. The rest of the Tutorial is only for doing further Programming and Learning if you have the time available to do it.
- Updating the Program to Version 2 to Tabulate Statistics
- How a Dice can be "Biased"
- Version 2 Form Design - Annotated Mock Up
- Version 2 Program Code Changes
- Testing the Version 2 Dice Roll Statistics Program
- Challenge Extension Project - Making a Two Dice Roller
- Two Dice Statistics and Tips for Playing Monopoly
- Video Wrap Up and Outro
Watch the following YouTube Video Tutorial about Random Numbers.
We recommend you use the RESOURCE MATERIALS available below
to follow along step by step with the Tutorial Video.
The YouTube Video is free to watch as many times as you want, and the Lesson Build Guide including all required Images and full program code listing(s) are available at a small cost which can be paid for and downloaded using PayPal.
Before purchasing and downloading the following resources, check first with your Teacher or Instructor, as they may already have copies of these documents to give to you.
Our Programming Learning Modules are designed for complete beginners, and they have been extensively trialled with High School students learning Programming for the first time. They have a proven track record of being able to get everyone up and running with Microsoft Visual Basic - the world's most popular Beginner Programmer's language.
We highly recommend using the Step by Step Summary Guide as well as the other support materials to maximise learning outcomes.
Our students have found the Summary Guide to be far more useful than re-watching the Video, when it comes time for them to apply their newly acquired skills to Application Build tasks.
Prices for the Resource Package including the Guide, Images, Form Design, and full Program Code Listings are:
A Single Computer Licence for Personal Use is $AUD 2.50 (Approx $US 1.88).
A Site Licence for Business or Education Training for up to 30 people is $AUD 5.30 (Approx $US 3.97).
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