Visual Basic .NET

Object-oriented programming language with approachable syntax for building type-safe .NET applications. Targets the same runtime and frameworks as C# and F#, making it straightforward to create Windows desktop apps, console tools, and libraries with readable, beginner-friendly code.

Visual Basic is one of three first-class .NET languages, maintained by Microsoft alongside C# and F#. Enterprises and government agencies use it for legacy modernization, internal tools, and line-of-business applications. Compared to C#, it prioritizes clarity and ease of learning: simpler keywords, explicit rather than symbolic operators, and a design geared toward rapid prototyping. Microsoft has stated the language remains stable and will continue to receive maintenance, though new workloads will not be added.

Notable capabilities:

• Full access to .NET runtime, BCL, and cross-platform .NET tooling
• Windows Forms for drag-and-drop desktop app development
• Type-safe code with strong typing and nullable reference support
• Interoperability with C# and F# libraries and projects
• Visual Studio integration with IntelliSense, debugging, and GUI designers
• Command-line compiler included in the .NET SDK

Teams use it for Windows desktop applications, internal business tools, data entry interfaces, and legacy VB6 migrations. Developers benefit from integration with Entity Framework, ASP.NET for web projects, and the broader .NET ecosystem while working in a more verbose, self-documenting syntax than C#.