How to Create VB.NET Projects in Visual Studio for Mac
Question details
The user needs to know how to create and configure a Visual Basic .NET (VB.NET) project using Visual Studio for Mac.
- Product
- Visual Studio for Mac
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Setting up a new development project on macOS and choosing VB.NET as the primary programming language.
- Observed behavior
- The user wants to generate a new project but needs to navigate framework constraints, as VB.NET is not supported across all project types like Xamarin or Unity on Mac.
Ensure you have the latest version of Visual Studio for Mac installed with the .NET Core workloads enabled, as older versions or missing workloads may restrict language options.
Creating a .NET Core Console Application with VB.NET
Use the standard .NET application templates in Visual Studio for Mac to initialize a VB.NET project.
Visual Studio for Mac officially supports Visual Basic .NET, but its availability is limited to specific project frameworks. Primarily, it is supported for .NET Core projects.
You cannot use VB.NET for mobile development (Xamarin) or game development (Unity) on macOS. For those frameworks, you will need to utilize C# or F#.
Launch Visual Studio for Mac. From the top menu bar, click on 'File' and select 'New Solution'.
In the template wizard, navigate to the '.NET Core' section, select 'App', and then choose 'Console Application (.NET Core)'.
Look for the language dropdown menu in the configuration screen and select 'Visual Basic' instead of the default C#.
Enter a name and location for your new project, then click 'Create' to generate the VB.NET environment.
Document Your VB.NET Projects Effectively with WPS Office
While coding in Visual Studio for Mac, maintaining excellent project documentation, tracking bugs, and drafting software requirements is critical. WPS Office is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office that runs seamlessly on macOS, helping developers stay organized without the heavy subscription fees.
- 1. Download for Mac: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free macOS installation package.
- 2. Install and Launch: Follow the on-screen instructions to install the suite, then open the application to access Writer, Spreadsheet, and Presentation.
- 3. Start Documenting: Create a new text document to draft your code guidelines, architecture plans, or VB.NET project requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use VB.NET for Xamarin or Unity projects on Visual Studio for Mac?
No, Visual Studio for Mac does not support Visual Basic .NET for Xamarin or Unity project workloads. You must use C# or F# when developing mobile apps or games.
Which application types support VB.NET on Mac?
VB.NET is primarily supported for .NET Core applications, such as standard Console Applications and certain web configurations built via the .NET Core templates.
Where do I find official documentation for my installed Visual Studio version?
You can access the official Microsoft documentation directly through the Help menu in Visual Studio for Mac, which will guide you to resources specific to your installed version and .NET frameworks.
