Tips for VB.NET Developers

I come from the vb world, but in the .NET context I develop the libraries and controls in C# and the other layers in VB.NET.

This library has near all the examples and snippets in C# in the future I plan to add the VB.NET examples... for now I want to write some tips to translate the code and use the library anyway.

Tips

1. The using directive in C# is the Imports directive in VB.NET
    
2. The typeof() keyword in C# is the GetType() keyword in VB.NET
    
3. The principal difference between this two language is the use in the Attributes.
   In C# the attributes are enclosed between [] while in VB.NETyou need to use <>
   
   C# example:
   
            [ FixedLengthRecord ] 
            public class OrdersFixed
   
   VB.NET example:
   
            < FixedLengthRecord > _ 
            Public Class OrdersFixed
   
   Remember: to use the _ (underscore) when you put the definition in the next line.
    
4. Other difference is the type convertion instruction.
   
   In C# the cast is the destination type enclosed between ()
   
       Orders[] res = (Orders[]) engine.ReadFile(@"Test.txt");
       Orders[] res = engine.ReadFile(@"Test.txt") as Orders[];
   
   In VB.NET we can use DirectCast or CType to do the same thing.
   
       Dim res As Orders() = CType(engine.ReadFile("Test.txt"), Orders())
   
       Dim res As Orders() = DirectCast(engine.ReadFile("Test.txt"), Orders())
   
   Note: DirectCast has the less performant hit, but CType is more clear.
   


5. The last difference is about generics
   
   In C# the generics class are defined:
   
       FileHelperEngine<Orders> engine = new FileHelperEngine<Orders>();
   
   In VB.NET In this other way:
   
       Dim engine As New FileHelperEngine(Of Orders)()
   

See also

Must Read - Quick Start Guide - Attributes List - F.A.Q. - Examples of Use - Contacts & Credits - Donations

© 2005-07 to Marcos Meli FileHelpers on SourceForge

Powered by: