I need explanation for this code pls help

[dismantle]

Hi all,
this is my 3rd week in studying VB codes and i came across with this codes
from a online tutorial about classes.

Public Function MiddleInitial() As String
MiddleInitial = Left$(middleNameValue, 1)
End Function

Public Function MiddleInitial(ByVal period As Boolean) As String
MiddleInitial = Left$(middleNameValue, 1) & "."
End Function

The tutorial just tell me how to put the codes and its my duty to figure it out how it works and i did figure it out but the Left$ and the number 1 inside the parenthesis are the ones that i cant understand. What does it do? i tried looking for the explanation in the tutorial and i cant seem to find any so pls any body wanna enlighten me about this code. even a small explanation will help TY

[Killer42]

Left$(StringValue, Number) returns the first Number characters from StringValue. So for example, Left$("ABCDEFG", 3) would return "ABC".

[iburyak]

It is easy.

If your name for example David how to get your initial?
It is first letter of your name. In word David it is a first letter to the left so if you will take first left letter from the name it will be your initial.
$ sign is old punctuation means string result. I don't think it is used now but it is understood by VB.

[PHP]Left$(“David”, 1)

‘Returns
“D”[/PHP]

Function below is not working properly.
If you have (ByVal period As Boolean) it means you can return Middle initial with a period at the end if value is True and it should have an option to return just initial without a period if value is False. Your function returns always with a period no matter what parameter passed.

[PHP]Public Function MiddleInitial(ByVal period As Boolean) As String
MiddleInitial = Left$(middleNameValue, 1) & "."
End Function[/PHP]

To correct this it should be something like this:

[PHP]Public Function MiddleInitial(ByVal period As Boolean) As String
MiddleInitial = Left$(middleNameValue, 1) & IIF(period, ".",””)
End Function[/PHP]

In this case if period = True it will concatenate “.” to middle initial
if period = False it will concatenate with “” and will return middle initial only.

Good Luck.

[iburyak]

OOPS
Sorry Killer42. When I hit Submit I saw your respond.... . :)
Your answer is right to the point... :)

[dismantle]

TY for fast reply i truly appriciate it ty