The new ADO data access object model is simpler and more robust than earlier versions and is better integrated with other Microsoft data access tools and applications. The interface is the same now, whether you are accessing a local or a remote database, and hierarchical recordsets are supported.
In support of the new ADO object model, Visual Basic now ships with a new ADO Data control. This control allows you to create database applications with a minimum of coding and works hand in hand with the new ADO object model.
Data providers and data consumers can be linked in more ways than ever before. Practically any object can be set up for binding to any database. The Binding Manager facilitates binding between visual and nonvisual objects.
The Data Report Designer controls are a versatile set of tools that allow you to create and print banded reports efficiently. There are six controls in this set, and they are specially designed for calculating and formatting data for printed reports.
User controls can be created as data sources, allowing other controls to be bound to them.
The new Data View window lets you browse all the database connections currently available to your project.
A new Data Form Wizard is designed to automatically generate Visual Basic forms containing individual bound controls and procedures that are used to manage information derived from database tables and queries.
Several new and enhanced controls provide even better ways to view and edit recordsets from databases. These include the DataGrid, DataRepeater, and Hierarchical FlexGrid controls.