By name: vbnet description: Visual Basic .NET for legacy .NET applications. Use for .vb files.
VB.NET
VB.NET is a first-class citizen on .NET, sharing the same runtime/libraries as C#. While C# gets new syntax first, VB.NET remains supported in .NET 8+.
When to Use
- Legacy Migration: Porting VB6 apps to .NET.
- Readability: Specific industries prefer the verbose, English-like syntax (
End If). - Office Automation: Integration with massive Excel/Access logic.
Core Concepts
Case Insensitivity
Dim X and dim x are the same.
Modules
Equivalent to static classes.
My Namespace
My.Computer, My.User. Shortcuts for common tasks.
Best Practices (2025)
Do:
- Use
Option Strict On: Disables implicit casting (critical for bugs). - Target .NET 8: Move away from .NET Framework 4.8.
- Use String Interpolation:
$"Hello {Name}".
Don't:
- Don't use
On Error Resume Next: Use structuredTry...Catch.