How to convert VB to C#: a comprehensive case study

With Microsoft having discontinued Visual Basic, many organizations consider transferring legacy software. Modern technologies and approaches, for example converting VB to C#, allow companies remain competitive and adaptable to the ever-changing market.

Working on one of our projects, we assisted a corporation in modernizing their outdated legacy software. Having rewritten some slow AutoCAD functions and implemented modern approaches – converting VB to C# – we helped our client significantly minimize license costs for 75% of end-users and provided for streamlined business growth.

Keep reading to learn about approaching VB6 to C# migration.

Visual Basic is a suiting language to build simple applications, but it’s not the cool kid down the block anymore. If you’re currently using system-specific applications running on Visual Basic, and your software developer suddenly quits, you will be stressed to find suitable candidates.

“Going forward, we do not plan to evolve Visual Basic as a programming language,” – states Microsoft.

When Microsoft publicly announced its new business strategy for VB, they officially stated that it is used by “thousands” of software professionals compared to “millions” that use C# and other popular technologies. Their intention was to lead C# for cloud, website and mobile development, while VB would be utilized by software specialists for Windows desktop development.

The reasons you should convert VB to C# are clear-cut:

• Visual Basic is a so-called proprietary programming language, which means VB-based applications cannot easily be transferred to other operating systems
• Visual Basic gives way to other programing languages like C#, which has better declaration of arrays – with C#, you can easily initialize an array of structures at a declaration time

In 2019, Abto Software has started the cooperation with a leading manufacturer in the machinery industry. With over 18 years in the information and technology market and expertise in providing legacy modernization, we migrated several applications, all written in different programming languages.

The project’s main goal was building a custom, state-of-the-art toolkit to design different types of products.

The project’s main challenges concerned the following matters:

• The installed AutoCAD plugin initially written in VBA and LISP caused problems during installation
• Each new AutoCAD version brought issues to the installed plugin
• Some parts of the legacy functionality stopped working
• Although the AutoCAD plugin was still supporting VBA, it was not available by default and required separate download and installation

With the required knowledge and experience, our team has finished the project within deadlines and budget. We migrated several applications providing for accelerated flexibility and scalability.

Having provided professional VB6 migration services, in particular:

• ERP migration
• CRM upgrade

Thorough analysis and roadmapping

After conducting thorough investigation of the AutoCAD functionality, we detected the parts causing hazard and created a roadmap comprising the following processes:

1. Convert VB to C#

To successfully convert VB to C, our team:

• Converted the legacy software from VB to .NET in C#
• Removed dependencies on the AutoCAD plugin

WPF UI was implemented by utilizing MVVM Light. 

2. Extend functionality

We provided additional functionality to cover the needs of users approaching more sophisticated tasks. 

3. Build modules for both advanced and beginner users

We created:

• Special modes for advanced users to execute additional commands
• Simple wizards for inexperienced users to cover common workflows

4. Separate the common code 

We successfully separated the common code to ensure:

• Correct behavior
• Reliable synchronization

5. Provide convenient reading, saving, and exporting

The solution was integrated with the third-party library WoutWare CadLib to allow:

• *.dwg and *.dxf reading and saving 
• PDF export

Rewriting slow AutoCAD functions

The most labor-intensive part was to rewrite slow AutoCAD functions:

1. Automatic conversion

To successfully convert VB to C#, the algorithm producing polylines was rewritten in three simple steps:

• First, VBA was converted to VB6
• Second, VB6 was converted to VB.NET with Visual Studio 2003
• Lastly, we had to convert VB to C

Having conducted partial conversion, we proceeded with the manual migration of several complex algorithms –  we couldn’t convert VB to C# with an automatic converter.

2. Manual conversion

To smoothly convert VB to C# without using Visual Basic to C# converter tools, our team:

• Used the BOUNDARY command, but have soon realized it was lacking precision
• Replaced the BOUNDARY command and implemented a more precise algorithm
• Utilized the same algorithm in both standalone application and plugin

3. Tan Tan Radius replacement

We replaced the implemented AutoCAD Circle Tan Tan Radius function and automated polyline generation. After automating this routine, we replaced the native AutoCAD functions OFFSET, TRIM, EXPLODE, PEDIT.

4. Reporting enhancement

Reporting included finding appropriate zoom levels, annotating individual polyline curves, finding templates. These routines are now done with a single mouse click.

5. Unit testing

Unit testing allowed to quickly identify risky cases when the new improvements were breaking file support. What’s more, unit tests also helped correctly handle other situations. 

Abto Software, Microsoft Solutions Partner, can cover legacy modernization no matter the complexity. From assessment and planning to implementation, our team does everything to eliminate legacy limitations and boost business growth.

Our services perfectly combine proven methodologies, best practices, and innovation.

By providing:

• Custom desktop, web and mobile development
• Legacy migration and optimization
• Business consulting and analysis
• Project management

And leveraging:

• Artificial intelligence
• Computer vision
• Data Science
• And other advanced technology

We guarantee:

• Reduced time and cost

Properly maintaining and supporting outdated technology requires comprehensive, industry-specific expertise. Delaying migration, you will face troubles finding candidates with the necessary knowledge and experience, which might increase time and cost.

By hiring a software development company with extensive modernization expertise, you can allocate resources more wisely. 

• Increased competitiveness

Outdated technology leads to unjustified expenses, security vulnerability, complicated debugging, and more. Delaying modernization causes multiple complex issues decreasing overall business competitiveness.

By approaching a software development firm that has modernization expertise, you can eliminate potential reputational and financial damage. 

Along with multiple respective business benefits:

• Improved security

• Better compatibility, flexibility, scalability, and integration

• Reduced risks

• Increased productivity

Contact us for professional VB6 to C# and VB6 to .NET migration services through our website’s contact form.