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What are all the differences between c# and vb ?

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As asked, and as and pointed out, C# and VB.NET are both .NET languages that can do the same things at runtime. The practical differences worth knowing are not capability gaps but syntax, developer ergonomics, and a few language-specific conveniences that affect readability, translation and maintenance.

Key, durable points to keep in mind:

  • Runtime parity: both compile to the same IL and interoperate smoothly; projects and libraries written in one can be used from the other.
  • Syntax and conventions: C# is case-sensitive and C-style (braces, semicolons); VB is case-insensitive and uses keywords/blocks (End If, End Sub). That changes how code looks and how teams read it.
  • Event wiring and declarations: VB has a Handles clause that wires handlers at declaration; C# uses += to attach handlers. This changes where subscription logic lives.
  • Binding and strictness: VB historically allows more permissive late-binding unless Option Strict is on; C# requires explicit typing unless var or dynamic are used. That affects runtime errors vs compile-time checks.
  • Language conveniences: VB includes some syntactic conveniences (for example, inline XML literal support and different default-property behavior) that C# lacks or expresses differently. Conversely, some C# idioms look more compact to developers from C/Java backgrounds.

Practical notes: for greenfield work pick whichever your team reads and debugs faster. For migrations use an automated translator as a starting point but manually adjust idioms and test behavior (especially around default values, late binding and events). Keep public APIs language-neutral (avoid exposing language-specific default-property or late-binding behavior).

Example (event handler style):

// C#
private void Button1_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
    Console.WriteLine("Clicked");
}
button1.Click += Button1_Click;
' VB
Private Sub Button1_Click(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles button1.Click
    Console.WriteLine("Clicked")
End Sub

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Member Avatar for tinstaafl

Becuase they are both part of the .net family, pretty much anything you can do in one you can do in the other, albeit somethings will be easier and/or more intuitive in one than the other. The main differences come down to syntax. C# is more related to c/c++ and java in its syntax, while VB is more related to the Basic family of languages in its syntax. It will largely depend on your previous experiences, and your goals as to which one you want to learn first.

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