[RESOLVED] To C# or to VB.NET that is the question?

[nubie]

learning a new language what would it be? To C# or to VB.NET that is the question? What are the advantages of c# vs vb.net and vice versa.

[chris128]

been asked a lot before and basically there are a couple of things that C# can do that VB cant but then VB is a bit easier to learn due to its more readable syntax (at least I think so anyway). At the end of the day though they are both extremely similar in what they can actually do - however there are a lot more jobs available for C#.NET programmers than there are for VB.NET so if you are planning to make a career out of it I would say go for C# personally...
If you want more info on the specific differences just google "differences between c#.net and vb.net" or something similar

[gep13]

Hey,

Personally, I would suggest that you learn the .Net Framework. The classes, the methods, the properties, the design patterns. Once you understand that, it is a simple matter of syntax. There are plenty of converters that will help you change from one language to the other, the difficulty is knowing "what" you want to do, and that comes from knowing the Framework.

Just my opinion.

Gary

[RobDog888]

We have many threads in this forum on comparisons etc so if you want some content, plenty to read there.

But to directly answer your question, the previous posts are spot on, especially Garys since both languages use the .net framework. If you are looking to get into this as a career then lean towards C# but dont shut out anything else.

[chris128]

but surely to learn the .NET framework you have to actually pick a language to learn it in really... I mean its all very well reading books and looking at examples in either language but in reality you are not going to learn much without writing some code yourself and seeing what works and what doesnt - which you cant do without deciding which language you are going to write it in. I'm not saying the language you pick at that point has to be the one you learn and stick with, but it is quite likely that you will want to use that one for a while as you will be comfortable with its syntax and limitations.

[DeanMc]

Via me: http://www.vbforums.com/showthread.php?t=539686

[DeanMc]

And just to further my position, you should know both, simply because the framework is what matters and there are more prospects in being a .net dev than a C# or VB one.

*picks back up his F# book*

[JuggaloBrotha]

learning a new language what would it be? To C# or to VB.NET that is the question? What are the advantages of c# vs vb.net and vice versa.

What's your back ground? have you had experience with c/c++/java/python/etc then c# will be much easier for you to pick up. If you're coming from some sort of vb background or are new to programming then vb.net would probably be easier for you.

[gep13]

but surely to learn the .NET framework you have to actually pick a language to learn it in really... I mean its all very well reading books and looking at examples in either language but in reality you are not going to learn much without writing some code yourself and seeing what works and what doesnt - which you cant do without deciding which language you are going to write it in. I'm not saying the language you pick at that point has to be the one you learn and stick with, but it is quite likely that you will want to use that one for a while as you will be comfortable with its syntax and limitations.

The point that I was trying to make was this. Let's say for example you wanted to create a new XML Document in your code. You don't start out thinking now how to I code that, you say, what classes in the .Net Framework should I be using. Then you go and look at the documentation, and you find the XmlDocument class, and you read up about it's properties, it's methods, events etc.

The difference then becomes:

Dim xmlDoc As New XmlDocument

or

XmlDocument xmlDoc = new XmlDocument

Obviously, the OP will favour a particular language syntax, either they will love or hate {}'s and semi-colons. However, I would recommend that they need to become familiar with both languages, to the point that they would be able to read/code in both.

Gary

[Nightwalker83]

Well, I heard today that my school phased out teaching vb.net at the end of last year in favor of c#. It is frustrating because vb.net is a subject I wanted to learn but I was told by another student that the school phased it out because business here (in Adelaide) prefer to use c# rather than vb.net.

Edit:

I have never used c# or c++ before I used to program in VB6.0.

[gep13]

Hey,

As I mentioned though, don't like at it like this. It isn't that black ahd white. Known of the work that you have done in VB.Net is going to be lost, it will be fully transferable, as almost everything will have an equivalent. If anything, I would see this as a benefit, as you will be able to converse happily in both languages.

Gary

[Pino]

Well, I heard today that my school phased out teaching vb.net at the end of last year in favor of c#. It is frustrating because vb.net is a subject I wanted to learn but I was told by another student that the school phased it out because business here (in Adelaide) prefer to use c# rather than vb.net.

Edit:

I have never used c# or c++ before I used to program in VB6.0.

Its the same around here, I'm a Contract Developer and I know both Vb.NET and C# - Last time I wrote a line of VB.Net was about 2 years ago, because no-one seems to use it around here (Or a very small percentage). However (In the last week) I've been asked to debug an error with a VB.Net application (For a small company) and I get around it fine.

As said above knowing the framework is key.

Pino

[nubie]

Thank you all for your insightful comments and suggestions.

[gep13]

Hey,

Out of interest, what have you decided to do?

Gary

[chris128]

Neither

[Nightwalker83]

Its the same around here, I'm a Contract Developer and I know both Vb.NET and C# - Last time I wrote a line of VB.Net was about 2 years ago, because no-one seems to use it around here (Or a very small percentage). However (In the last week) I've been asked to debug an error with a VB.Net application (For a small company) and I get around it fine.

Yeah, at least I will be taught a bit more about c# from someone who has experience programming with it. Back when I was doing vb6.0 I was self taught and I didn't really follow what was happening.

[gep13]

Neither

Let's hope not!! Wasn't trying to put the OP off.

[nubie]

Hey,

Out of interest, what have you decided to do?

...downloading c# ebooks.

[Pino]

Hey,

Out of interest, what have you decided to do?

...downloading c# ebooks.

Good Choice :-D

[gep13]

Good Choice :-D

Agreed