VB vs. C: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 11, 2024
VB (Visual Basic) is a high-level, event-driven programming language known for its ease of use, while C is a lower-level, procedural language renowned for its performance and control over system resources.
Key Differences
VB is known for its English-like syntax and ease of use, particularly in GUI development, making it a go-to for rapid application development. C, on the other hand, has a more concise and less intuitive syntax, offering greater control over hardware and efficient execution, which is essential in system programming.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 11, 2024
VB often operates within an integrated development environment (IDE), like Microsoft Visual Studio, which provides numerous tools for GUI design, debugging, and database connectivity. C, while it can also use IDEs, is frequently used with simpler editors and command-line tools, reflecting its use in lower-level programming tasks.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 11, 2024
C is renowned for its speed and efficiency, a result of being closer to machine code. It's widely used in developing operating systems, drivers, and other high-performance applications. VB, with its higher level of abstraction, prioritizes ease of development over raw performance, making it less optimal for performance-critical applications.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 11, 2024
C is highly portable, with its compilers available for virtually every type of computer and operating system. VB, in contrast, is primarily Windows-focused, limiting its portability across different platforms.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 11, 2024
VB is commonly used for developing Windows-based applications and services, with a strong focus on rapid development of client-server applications and front-end systems. C, being more versatile but requiring deeper technical knowledge, is utilized in developing embedded systems, system software, and applications where direct hardware manipulation is needed.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 11, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Primary Use
GUI-based applications, Windows services
System programming, embedded systems
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Feb 11, 2024
Environment
IDE-focused, with integrated tools
Often used with simpler editors or command-line interfaces
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 11, 2024
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VB and C Definitions
VB
VB responds to user or system events.
In VB, clicking a button triggers an event handler.
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C
C is used for developing operating systems.
Linux kernel is largely written in C.
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Jan 13, 2024
VB
VB excels in creating graphical interfaces.
I designed the user interface of our project in VB.
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Jan 13, 2024
C
C is known for its execution speed.
Our performance-critical software is written in C.
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Jan 13, 2024
VB
VB is primarily used for Windows applications.
Our Windows application was developed in VB.
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Jan 13, 2024
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C
C's syntax influences many languages.
C's syntax laid the foundation for C++ and Java.
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VB
VB is often used within an IDE.
Visual Studio enhances my productivity in VB.
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Jan 13, 2024
C
C code can run on many platforms.
The same C program runs on Windows and Linux.
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Jan 13, 2024
VB
VB enables quick creation of applications.
Using VB, I developed a prototype app overnight.
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Jan 13, 2024
C
C allows close interaction with hardware.
I used C to write the device driver.
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Jan 13, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Does VB support object-oriented programming?
Yes, VB.NET supports object-oriented programming.
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Feb 11, 2024
Is C suitable for system programming?
Yes, C is highly suitable for system programming.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 11, 2024
Does VB have a steep learning curve?
No, VB is known for its easy learning curve.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 11, 2024
Can VB be used for web development?
VB can be used for web development, especially in ASP.NET applications.
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Feb 11, 2024
Is VB compatible with Linux?
VB is primarily designed for Windows and has limited compatibility with Linux.
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Feb 11, 2024
Is memory management automatic in C?
No, in C, memory management is manual.
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Feb 11, 2024
What is VB mainly used for?
VB is used for developing Windows-based applications and services.
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Feb 11, 2024
Can VB access databases?
Yes, VB can easily connect to and manipulate databases.
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Feb 11, 2024
Is C good for beginners?
C can be challenging for beginners due to its lower-level concepts.
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Feb 11, 2024
What makes C efficient?
C’s efficiency comes from its close-to-hardware operation.
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Feb 11, 2024
How portable is C code?
C code is highly portable across different platforms.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 11, 2024
Is VB.NET the same as VB?
VB.NET is an evolution of VB, with more features and .NET framework support.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 11, 2024
Does VB support GUI development?
Yes, VB is particularly strong in GUI development.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 11, 2024
Can I use VB for mobile app development?
VB is not typically used for mobile app development.
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Feb 11, 2024
What are pointers in C?
Pointers in C are variables that store memory addresses.
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Feb 11, 2024
Can C be used for graphical applications?
C can be used for graphical applications, but it's less common.
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Feb 11, 2024
What are the data types in C?
C includes data types like int, char, float, and pointers.
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Feb 11, 2024
What is the role of headers in C?
Headers in C contain declarations for functions and macros.
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Feb 11, 2024
Can C interact directly with hardware?
Yes, C can interact directly with system hardware.
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Feb 11, 2024
How does VB handle error management?
VB uses structured exception handling for errors.
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Feb 11, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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