What is VBNet?

VBNet (Visual Basic .NET) is a programming language created by Microsoft that lets you write software for Windows, web, and mobile platforms. It uses English-like words, making it easier for beginners to understand the code.

Let's break it down

  • Programming language: a set of rules and words you use to tell a computer what to do.
  • Microsoft: the company that built VBNet and provides tools like Visual Studio to write and test the code.
  • Windows, web, mobile platforms: the different types of devices and operating systems where programs can run.
  • English-like words: the syntax looks similar to everyday English (e.g., “If … Then … End If”), which reduces the learning curve.

Why does it matter?

Because VBNet lets newcomers start building real, functional applications without wrestling with complex syntax, it serves as a gentle gateway into software development and can speed up the creation of business tools.

Where is it used?

  • Internal business applications for finance, inventory, or HR departments.
  • Desktop utilities and tools that automate repetitive tasks on Windows computers.
  • Small-scale web services built with ASP.NET using VBNet as the code-behind language.
  • Educational labs and coding courses that teach the fundamentals of .NET programming.

Good things about it

  • Simple, readable syntax that resembles plain English.
  • Full integration with the powerful Visual Studio IDE (debugger, designer, IntelliSense).
  • Runs on the .NET framework, giving access to a huge library of pre-written functions.
  • Strong support for Windows Forms and WPF, making UI design straightforward.
  • Backward compatibility with older Visual Basic code, easing migration.

Not-so-good things

  • Less popular than C# in the .NET ecosystem, so community resources and job listings are smaller.
  • Some modern .NET features and libraries are first released for C# and may lag for VBNet.
  • Perceived as “old-school” by newer developers, which can affect team adoption.
  • Limited cross-platform UI options compared to newer frameworks like .NET MAUI or Blazor.