the original visual basic (probably VB1.0) demonstrated and organized event-driven programming in my mind. I just "got" it. The first version wasn't that deep, but it had a noticeable impact on me.

In comparison, I remember using one of the not-so-early apple xcode versions, and it sucked. it was a disorganized mess and I don't think it has ever gotten much better.

Note - I might be comparing a "sort-of-pure" first version of something to a watered-down-corporate 5th version.

It might also be like memorable 80's movies, where if I go back and actually watch it decades later, my glowing memories might be ruined by the reality check of slow pacing, overacting and bad hair. lol.

History of Visual Basic - Shell Construction Kit for Windows 3.0, never shipped, repurposed GUI with Basic for MS Access and its form designer. see https://retool.com/visual-basic (requires js)