A VB file is a source code file created in Visual Basic language that was created by Microsoft for development of .NET applications. Another similar language with different syntax is C# whose files are saved with .CS file extension. The file format provides the low-level programming language for writing code that is compiled to generate the final output file in the form of EXE or a DLL. These can be created and compiled with Microsoft Visual Studio. Microsoft Visual Studio Express can also be used to create and update such files which is a free IDE. A simple Visual Studio project solution created with VB language can comprise of one or more such files. Files marked for inclusion in compilation are listed in the CSPROJ file which is part of the project and tells compiler to use the marked files.

VB File Format

VB files are text based file formats that can be opened in any text editor for editing. However, when opened in a supported IDE with proper syntax highlighting, the code is easy to read and arrange. A simple VB file contains:

• Namespaces declaration - For referring to a particular functionality defined by that specific namespace
• Variables declaration - To declare class level variables for the particular implementation
• Methods Declaration - To declare methods declaration for the particular functionality

Example

Imports System
Module Module1
   'This program will display Hello World
   Sub Main()
      Console.WriteLine("Hello World")
      Console.ReadKey()
   End Sub
End Module

How to open VB files?

Following applications can be used to open .VB files.

• Microsoft Visual Studio
• Microsoft Notepad
• Notepad++
• MonoDevelop