VB
VB.NET Defaults
Core VB.NET coding conventions for .NET development
Details
Language / Topic
Visual Basic .NETCategory
Style Guide
Rules
balanced
- Use `PascalCase` for all public members, types, namespaces, and methods; `camelCase` for local variables and parameters — match Microsoft's official VB.NET naming guidelines.
- Always use `Option Strict On` and `Option Explicit On` at the top of every file or at the project level in `Project Properties > Compile` — they prevent implicit type coercions and undeclared variables.
- Use `Dim x As Integer = 0` with explicit types rather than relying on type inference, except where `Dim x = New ComplexType()` makes the type obvious.
- Use `Using` blocks for disposable objects: `Using conn As New SqlConnection(connStr)` ensures `Dispose()` is called even if an exception is thrown.
- Prefer `String.Format("{0}: {1}", key, value)` or string interpolation `$"{key}: {value}"` over `&` concatenation in loops — `StringBuilder` for concatenation in tight loops.
- Use `Enum` with meaningful names instead of integer magic numbers: `Enum OrderStatus; Pending; Processing; Shipped; End Enum`.
- Mark methods `Private` by default and only elevate to `Public` or `Friend` when external access is needed — minimize public surface area.