Visual Basic .NET in Microsoft Visual Studio 2003

Based on Microsoft's Visual Basic (VB), Visual Basic .NET (VB.NET) is a computer language that can be viewed as an evolutionary development from VB version 6.0 and earlier. The Starting from v1 and continuing through the .NET revision, Visual Basic has become more complex and more powerful. The following example gives an idea:

Classic VB example:

 Private Sub Command1_Click()
  
    MsgBox "Hello, World"
  
 End Sub

A VB.NET example:

 Private Sub button1_Click(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As System.EventArgs) Handles button1.Click
  
       MsgBox("Hello, World")
  
 End Sub

• Note that all procedure calls must be made with parenthesis in .NET, while in classic VB, only function calls would be.

There is extensive documentation that covers changes in the syntax (rules of the language), the changes in debugging applications, deployment and terminology.

Controversy concerning VB.NET

Many long-time Visual Basic programmers have complained loudly about Visual Basic .NET, because it drops a large number of language features that were in earlier versions of Visual Basic (which are now no longer sold). However, to balance the argument, VB.NET is a more powerful language in many respects, incorporating modern object-oriented programming paradigms in a more appealing manner than what was available with earlier versions. Indeed, some experts in Visual Basic .NET have characterized it as an entirely new programming language. Visual Basic programs that relied heavily on such features as databases and graphics will, in general, have difficulty in migrating to VB.NET, while programs that are mainly algorithm based, such as mathematical programs, can be migrated with fewer difficulties.

For Visual Basic 2005, the successor to VB.NET, Microsoft is adding features that will reintroduce some of the ease of use that previous versions of VB had, including a class library called My that allows programmers to more easily access the capabilities of the .NET framework.

Beta News

A new set of suites (currently in the Beta Phase) are available for download on the Microsoft Site, Called "Express Editions." These editions are basically the next mark in Programming History. There will be 6 editions;

• Visual Basic 2005 Express
• Visual C# 2005 Express
• Visual C++ 2005 Express
• Visual J# 2005 Express
• Visual Web Dev 2005 Express
• SQL Server 2005 Express

They will be aimed towards people wanting to learn a language. At time of writing it is not known if they will be released at no cost or at a small fee. Visit the site here.

External links

• Microsoft's VB.NET site
• GotDotNet .NET Resource Website
• Mono implementation of VB.NET
• A site discussing compatibility problems
• Doing Objects in VB.NET and C# a free eBook