Visual C# vs VB.NET

[mlowe9]

Let me start by saying I work in VB.NET, and I do not know C# at all.

I have had several other techies tell me that C# is better than VB, but I would like to know why. Is it more robust? Is it better for performance? What makes it better?

Is it worth learning the new language?

Thanks for any advice givers.

 

[SgtJarrow]

First, I would ask them their REASONS for this statement..

Second, I will say that there are a few differences between the two (a few extra classes in one that might not be in the other and there are some things that one language may be a bit better at than the other).

Third, the two languages are built of the same base code library...so they are very close to being the same language except for syntax differences.

Fourth, I will say that i use VB myself about 95% of the time, even though I know both languages. That is just my personal preference.

Finally, I refer back to point one...I don't think there is any specific reason for using one over the other, except that some people/shops prefer one over the other. They really don't want to acknowledge the other even exists sometimes...

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People think it must be fun to be a super genius, but they don't realize how hard it is to put up with all the idiots in the world. (Calvin from Calvin And Hobbs)

Robert L. Johnson III
CCNA, CCDA, MCSA, CNA, Net+, A+, CHDP
VB.NET Programmer

 

[RiverGuy]

Is it worth learning the new language?

If you plan on applying for jobs at places which develop in C#, then yes, it would be worth learning C#. Otherwise, I would stick to VB.

 

[mlowe9]

So I'm gathering there very little difference between the two, since they both use the .NET framework.

It's simply personal (or corporate) preference?

I have no professional gain from learning it at this time. Just the fact that it's been mentioned to me more than once, made me want to know why.

Thanks again for your opinions.

 

[softhemc]

I believe that in the next version (2010), the differences between the two languages will be all but removed. That is to say that the things that VB is stronger at (e.g. Late Binding) will become available in C# and the things that C# is stronger in (I can't think of any for the moment ) will be available in VB.

As others have said, they both sit on top of the .Net Framework and ultimately compile down to pretty much the same IL (Intermediate Language).

 

[RiverGuy]

It's simply personal (or corporate) preference?

Exactly. Microsoft created a platform - the .Net framework - which allows different languages to be used to program that framework. But you're still targeting the .Net framework with the same performance, and pretty much the same options as Robert stated above. I believe there is still a Managed C++ language (C++ for the .Net framework), as well as third party languages which have been ported to .Net.

 

[mlowe9]

Thank you all.

 

[MichaelRed]

To get a 'balanced' perspective, you need to post the equivalent in C# forum.




MichaelRed

 

[tcsbiz]

For whatever reason, C# programmers are in more demand and are paid more. It's like people treat VB has a language to learn with but not to do real programming. The "Basic" in the name may give them that impression. How wrong they are! So, if you want to me more marketable, learn C#.

Wikipedia has a decent writeup comparing the two:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_C_sharp_and_Visual_Basic_.NET