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We have no doubt that VB.Net will be a fine addition to Microsoft’s language lineup, and will be suitable for some tasks.
However, it is not a continuation of the ‘Visual Basic’ line. Unless something changes (which is unlikely), that line dies with VB6.
Microsoft has stated that it will continue to support VB6 for 5 years after the introduction of VB.Net. While this support will not include further development of the language, it may include changes to allow VB6 programs to run on new operating systems. The good news is that VB6 still works, and is still the best RAD language going. Millions will continue to use it as their language of choice. And VBA, in Office and elsewhere, is still compatible with VB6 and with Stamina. The other good news is that we remain committed to supporting and improving Stamina as the premier function library for VB/32 and VBA. Without Microsoft’s introduction of and commitment to Visual Basic, Stamina would not exist, and for that we are thankful. But for now we feel that Microsoft has abandoned VB, and its developers, for this "new new thing". Should a future version steer VB.Net back to its roots, of course we’ll rethink our position. But there will be no mods to Stamina for .Net version 1, and no support for its use there. While many Stamina routines will work as-is in .Net, many others will not. This page contains trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. |