Migrate Legacy Visual Basic Apps to VB.NET

January 17, 2025
IDEs with Visual Basic .NET support enable migration and maintenance of legacy systems, unlocking the benefits of modern .NET capabilities.

Visual Basic .NET (VB.NET) is a versatile programming language supported by popular Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) that enhance productivity with features like syntax highlighting, IntelliSense, debugging, and version control. Seamlessly integrated with the .NET framework, VB.NET is ideal for developing desktop software, web services, and cloud solutions. While less popular than modern languages like C#, Python, or JavaScript, it remains valuable in niches such as legacy application maintenance and in organizations invested in the .NET ecosystem. Its simplicity and ease of learning make it appealing for rapid prototyping and for developers transitioning from older Visual Basic versions. Migrating Visual Basic (VB) applications to VB.NET modernizes codebases, adding object-oriented capabilities, improved error handling, and access to advanced .NET libraries. This enhances performance, security, scalability, and compatibility with modern systems. Typical use cases include updating enterprise software, modernizing desktop applications with Windows Forms or WPF, and integrating legacy systems with web or cloud services, ensuring applications remain functional and future-ready.

Several integrated development environments (IDEs) offer Visual Basic .NET support, including:

  • Rider by JetBrains facilitates efficient VB.NET development with intelligent code assistance, cross-platform compatibility, and robust debugging tools.
  • PrimalScript by SAPIEN Technologies lets you manage VB.NET scripts and applications with powerful multi-language support and deployment capabilities.
  • UEStudio by UltraEdit allows you to edit VB.NET code seamlessly, offering project management, version control, and advanced syntax highlighting.
  • RemObjects Elements enables VB.NET development alongside other languages, emphasizing seamless integration within .NET and non-.NET environments.
  • Microsoft Visual Studio Professional provides comprehensive VB.NET development tools, including IntelliSense, debugging, and deployment features for professional development.

For an in-depth analysis of features and price, visit our comparison of IDEs.

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