What will be the future: VB.Net or C#?

[Helger]

There are much rumours around about the .Net thingy.
Now I heard one that is that while Visual Basic is THE programming language for Microsoft based systems now, in .Net times it will be C# rather than VB.Net.
Will my hard gained knowledge be lost?
Will VB die?
Is there anyone who knows anything about this?

Helger

[chrisjk]

Originally posted by Helger
while Visual Basic is THE programming language for Microsoft based systems now

Some would disagree that it is now, let alone in the future.

[JoshT]

I'm gonna guess that more VB programmers will move to VB.Net than C/C++ programmers will move to C#.

[numtel]

i've got the vs.net beta nad there is still c++ but i'm pretty sure microsoft is gonna phase out vb, i'd like to learn delphi soon tho

[$CCF$]

What everybody should remember is that C++ is better for low level stuff. I know that's a sweeping comment, but if your concentrating on Business Logic, then VB is definately the better option.

With the advent of C# and VB.NET, C# seemingly occupies a happy middle ground between VB,C++ and Java. It appears to be an easier, more strongly-typed language compared to C++ by providing a safer framework to work in. You can't just add different data types together like C++. Also, since everything is an object it is ideal for robust OO design and coding.

VB.NET builds on VB's easy to read nature with C++'s full OO features. Due to this and a few other extensions it can compare with C++ and C#.

I have coded a little with both. I would say C# is the ideal move for C++ programmers moving more towards VB RAD Business Logic design and coding. VB.NET however still provides a good high level means to do this with a unquestionably easier to read and maintain format.

VB is currently the most popular language in the world, despite the raw speed and full OO ability of C++ and the run anyway aspects of Java. Java now comes second. .NET provides a framework to allow .NET to run anywhere as well. This would appear to be a MS marketing strategy to steal the thunder from SUN Microsystems. Java has never been standardized by an international standards organization, whereas .NET will be by the time it's released (year end). Therefore, there is likely to be continuing ongoing development of .NET for a long time.

.NET also brings unparalleled (sp?) ease of development to building Internet apps.

So what's my verdict?....

For those who know Java or C++, C# is the ideal move if as a developer you wish to build core Business Logic level applications. However, VB.NET can do this too, in fact all the .NET languages can do pretty much exactly the same stuff in the same way come compilation time. So the simple verdict would have to be: VB will survive because of its easier to learn nature, ease of readability, and with full OO ability allows C++/Java design patterns to be applied to VB development. It's easy readability will mean easier to maintain code and a lower cost to employers to train staff in VB.NET. The answer really is, VB.NET will overtime winout - except for low-level applications (like services) where C++ (not C#) will still provide the most simplest elegant and fastest performing code.

$CCF$

[Huber]

The really cool thing about the Net architecture is that it pretty well closes the gap between the functionality of different languages. With .NET, we’re all carpenters building houses… we may have our different approaches, but we’re ALL pooling from exactly the same source of tools. We’re using those tools from different perspectives, different platforms, as we always have. But now, for the first time… the end product is EXACTLY the same regardless of our language choice in getting there. There is no difference at all in terms of features and performance, between VB.NET and C#… they are, in effect, identical in this respect. The only notable difference is in the language used to get there. I can’t imagine why VB would disappear at all. The vast majority of VB programmers will migrate to VB.NET rather than C#… why shouldn’t they? That’s a big crowd to just disappear.

[goudabuddha]

Sorry, but .NET is gay

[Megatron]

Please, if you have something useful and legit to say then say it.
Or at least provide a reason why you dislike NET.

[Dillinger4]

I asked a question regarding wether C# will win out over Java and here is one of the replies. i thought you guys would like to see it since this is a .net forum

2. They have now tied .Net to the "Web Storage System"
> which is Windows only and which SUCKS! They will no
> longer have a file system (which I have to warn Sun
> Microsystems means that Java will NOT work on the
> future Windows System. There are NO more files!!
> Everything is through the Web Storage System!!), but
> use this specially encrypted web-based file system. It
> uses a Jet-engine to talk to it too. And even on the
> local computer, there are no files to access, and you
> have to go through http to get EVERYTHING! Yes, even
> locally.
>
> So my question to Sun: how is java gonna work on a
> windows OS without files? (i.e. Web Storage System)

If this is true (and it isn't by the way) then no software but brand new software would work. That would make the OS useless as backward compatibility is the way of the world.