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   ► KBTo/From GuidesVB.NetTool Basics  Print This     

Cross Ref > Tool Basics

By Mike Prestwood

VB.Net versus C++: A side by side comparison between VB.Net and C++.

 
Tool Basics
 

Developer environment basics such as common file extensions, common keyboard shortcuts, etc.

Deployment Overview

[Other Languages] 
VB.Net: 

VB.Net projects require the .Net framework and any additional dependencies you've added such as Crystal Reports.

In Visual Studio.Net, you can create a Setup and Deployment project by using any of the templates available on the New Project dialog (Other Project Types).

In addition, VB.Net projects also support ClickOnce which brings the ease of Web deployment to Windows Forms and console applications. To get started, right click on your solution in the Solution Explorer, click Properties then select the Security tab. 

In addition, you can use any of the many free and commercially available installation packages.

C++: 

You can use any of the many free and commercially available installation packages.

In Visual Studio.Net, you can create a Setup and Deployment project by using any of the templates available on the New Project dialog (Other Project Types).

C++Builder 2007 and 2009 are bundled with InstallAware Express CodeGear Edition installer.

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Development Tools

[Other Languages] 

Languages Focus

Primary development tool(s) used to develop and debug code.

VB.Net: 

Microsoft Visual Basic Express Editions (as in Visual Basic 2008 Express Edition) and the full version of Microsoft Visual Studio.Net are the current primary tools. VB.Net is not compatible with VB Classic.

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C++: 

Many compilers and development tools are available. Common development tools include Microsoft Visual C++, CodeGear C++Builder, and Eclipse.

With Visual C++ you use Microsoft's C++ syntax variations based on standard C++ or Microsoft's new C++/CLI syntax standard.

With C++Builder, you code using standard C++ with early support for the upcoming C++0x standard and using the VCL/RTL libraries. The VCL/RTL libraries are in common with Delphi which is based on Object Pascal. Within a project, C++Builder can use both C++ units and Delphi units.

With most C++ tools, you can also use your favorite C and C++ libraries too.

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File Extensions

[Other Languages] 

Languages Focus

Common or primary file extensions used (not a complete list, just the basics).

VB.Net: 

Common source code file extensions include:

  • .SLN - Solution File. Contains solution specific information such as links to the projects within this solution.
  • .VBPROJ - VB.Net Project File. Contains project specific information in XML. When adding a file, it is added to the project file.
  • .VB -VB.Net source file.
  • .Designer.VB -VB.Net form file (a text resource file).
Syntax Example:
//Sample code snippet from the .vbproj project file:
<ItemGroup>
  <Compile Include="Cyborg.vb" />
  <Compile Include="Form1.vb">
    <SubType>Form</SubType>
  </Compile>
  //...
C++:   .CPP and .H

Important standard C++ file extensions:

  • .CPP = C++ Source file. Your startup source file will have a main() routine.
  • .C = C source file (sometimes used for C++ source files too).
  • .H = Header include file.

Some important Visual C++ file extensions:

Some important C++Builder file extensions:

  • .BDSPROJ and .CBPROJ = Project file.
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Overview and History

[Other Languages] 
VB.Net: 

Language Overview: VB.Net is an OOP language (no global functions or variables). You code using a fully OOP approach (everything is in a class).

Target Platforms: VB.Net is most suitable for creating .Net Framework applications. This includes desktop business application using WinForms and websites using WebForms.

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C++: 

Language Overview: C++ is a hybrid traditional C and OOP language. You code either in a traditional approach using functions, procedures, and global data, or you code using an OOP approach, or a mixture of both.

Target Platforms: C++ is suitable for creating any type of native code applications for many different platforms. The focus of this information is on creating native code Win32 applications that run on Microsoft Windows.

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Report Tools Overview

[Other Languages] 

Languages Focus

Built-In: Some development tools have a reporting tool built-in and some do not. For example, typically desktop databases such as Paradox and Access have a built-in reporting tool and typically that reporting tool is used with nearly every application built with it. A built-in reporting tool makes development of reports across many clients and applications consistent and therefore easy.

Add-On: Development tools that do not have a built-in reporting tool need to use either a currently bundled report writer, or one of the popular reporting tools that integrates well with the development tool. For example, popular reporting tools include Crystal Reports, ReportBuilder, and MS SQL Reporting Services (tied to MS SQL).

VB.Net: 

Microsoft includes ReportViewer Starting with Visual Studio 2005. You can even surface this .Net solution in your VB Classic application if you wish.

For WebForm applications the client target is the browser (a document interfaced GUI), a common solution is to simply output an HTML formatted page with black text and a white background (not much control but it does work for some situations).

For WinForm applications, Crystal Reports is still very popular with VB.Net developers because it has been bundled with Visual Basic since VB 3, it's overall popularity, and compatibility with many different development tools.

C++: 

Use any report writer you are comfortable with. C++Builder 2009 comes bundled with Rave Reports and Crystal Reports remains popular for Visual C++.

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