People who know VB .Net and C++ (I have questions)

[StevenHickerson]

I'm currently a primary VB6 programmer. That being said I can naturally do VBA, ASP, and VBScript as well because they are so similiar to VB6. I'm looking to broaden my programming skills to another language and trying to decide which I should focus on next.

So I'm looking to see if people can give me comparisons on C++ and VB.Net. I'm looking for people that know both, I dont want VB .Net or C++ fanbois that have no experience in one posting hundreds of problems with the opposing language and not comparing them with the latter.

I know going to VB.Net I would still have the advantage of a somewhat similiar syntax and keywords, but if C++ still has advantages over VB .Net like it did over VB 6 in terms of speed and raw power I may make the switch over to it.

[CyberHawke]

Having worked with both for many years, I can tell you that the language you choose to work with should be driven by the problem you are trying to solve.

If you are in an environment where exe size, and blindingly fast performance are a must, or if you are planning to write device drivers, or you are planning to write a game where performance is paramount then you probably would want a language like C++

If you are developing business applications, websites, or quick little db apps then you should probably focus on a language that doesn't have the learning curve associated with C++, allows for RAD, and is widely supported.

As a Microsoft guy, I lean in the direction of C# (very java like) and VB.NET. I like C# because I can write the same app in fewer lines and slightly less code. I typically use VB.NET more because there just aren't any other C# guys where I work, so if I am colaborating on a project I have to work with what everyone else is using or pushing.

You should also make your decision with the foreknowledge that VB.NET, and C# are both Managed Languages. This means that they only operate within the confines of the .NET framework. C++ can run in Managed and Unmanaged mode this means that you can write code that is managed by the framework, and code that works outside the framework.

This is a very broad subject and there is a considerable amount of information you need to wade through before deciding what your next move is.

Good Luck