VB.NET Compiler (vbc.exe)

Table of Contents

Introduction to the VB.NET Compiler

The Visual Basic .NET compiler, typically invoked using vbc.exe, is responsible for translating Visual Basic source code files into executable assemblies (.exe) or libraries (.dll) for the .NET platform. It plays a crucial role in the development workflow, ensuring that your VB.NET code is correctly compiled, optimized, and made ready for execution within the Common Language Runtime (CLR).

This documentation provides essential information about the compiler, its command-line arguments, and common usage scenarios.

Command-Line Usage

You can invoke the VB.NET compiler from the command line or within your development environment. The basic syntax is as follows:

vbc.exe [options] source_files

Where:

  • options are command-line switches that control the compilation process.
  • source_files are one or more Visual Basic source code files (.vb).

For a comprehensive list of available options, refer to the Compiler Options section or use the /? switch:

vbc.exe /?

Compiler Options

The VB.NET compiler supports a wide range of options to customize the compilation process. Here are some of the most commonly used ones:

Output Options

  • /target:exe (or /t:exe): Compiles to an executable file (.exe). This is the default.
  • /target:library (or /t:library): Compiles to a DLL file (.dll).
  • /out:<filename> (or /o:<filename>): Specifies the name of the output file.

Code Generation Options

  • /debug (or /d): Generates debugging information.
  • /optimize (or /o): Enables compiler optimizations.
  • /platform:<target>: Specifies the target platform (e.g., AnyCPU, x86, x64, Itanium).

Referencing Options

  • /reference:<assembly_path> (or /r:<assembly_path>): References a .NET assembly.
  • /linkresource:<file>[,<identifier>]: Links a resource file.

Advanced Options

  • /define:<symbol_list> (or /d:<symbol_list>): Defines preprocessor symbols.
  • /imports:<namespace>: Imports a namespace.
  • /utf8output: Outputs compiler messages in UTF-8 encoding.
  • /nowarn:<warning_list>: Disables specific warnings.
  • /warnaserror[:<warning_list>]: Treats warnings as errors.

For a complete and detailed list of all compiler options, please consult the official VB.NET Compiler Options documentation.

Compiler Usage Examples

Here are a few practical examples of using the vbc.exe compiler:

Example 1: Compiling a simple executable

Compile a single source file named MyProgram.vb into an executable:

vbc.exe MyProgram.vb

Example 2: Compiling a library with optimizations and debug info

Compile multiple files into a DLL, enabling optimizations and generating debug symbols:

vbc.exe /target:library /optimize /debug /out:MyLibrary.dll File1.vb File2.vb

Example 3: Referencing an external assembly

Compile a program that uses a custom library MyHelpers.dll:

vbc.exe /reference:MyHelpers.dll MyApplication.vb

Example 4: Defining preprocessor symbols

Compile with a custom symbol DEBUG_MODE defined:

vbc.exe /define:DEBUG_MODE MyApplication.vb

Important Notes

Note: The vbc.exe compiler is typically located in the .NET SDK's `bin` directory. Ensure that this directory is added to your system's PATH environment variable for easier access.
Warning: Always refer to the official Microsoft documentation for the most up-to-date and accurate information on compiler options and behavior, as they can evolve with new .NET versions.