Visual Basic 6 (VB6) was a popular programming language introduced in 1998 by Microsoft. It gained widespread usage across various businesses and industries for developing desktop applications due to its low learning curve and ease of use. However, as time passed and technology progressed, Microsoft’s .NET Core has become increasingly popular for application development, while VB6 has grown outdated. Microsoft officially stopped extending support for VB6 in 2008. With its legacy status, continuing with VB6 for application development poses numerous risks and challenges for businesses. Let’s explore some of these challenges.
- One of the biggest roadblocks to using VB6 today is its potential incompatibility with modern operating systems like Windows 10. Users may face difficulties integrating VB6, which is in its end-of-life stage, with contemporary technologies such as the .NET Core framework.
- VB6 may not be immune to present-day cybersecurity threats, making it a vulnerable environment. Apps developed using VB6 may fail to meet current performance standards, as they are limited to 32-bit.
- Maintaining legacy applications built using VB6 is challenging, requiring regular and complex upgrades.
- It can also be difficult to find developers who can still work in the VB6 environment since most coders today have switched to learning and working with Java, .NET Core (VB.Net or C#), Python, etc.
Considering all these challenges, it is ideal for businesses that still rely on VB6 to migrate to .NET Core and other modern development frameworks.
Benefits of Migrating VB6 to .NET Core
While many enterprises may find migrating from VB6 to .NET Core a daunting task, the benefits of it far outweigh the challenges associated with sticking to outdated platforms like VB6 yet. Below are some advantages that modern programming languages offer to their users.
- Improved Compatibility: Modern frameworks like .NET Core enable better compatibility and integration with the latest technologies and operating systems, ensuring that applications stay relevant. This enhances scalability, performance, and processing capabilities, which are critical in driving forward an enterprise’s digital transformation initiatives.
- Greater Security: One of the main advantages of migrating VB6 to a modern framework like .NET Core is the advanced and robust security features it provides. This keeps applications safe from internal and external security threats, ensuring data privacy and preventing data breaches.
- Reduced Costs: In addition to other advantages, the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) after migrating VB6 to .NET Core may decrease, as maintaining redundant systems can be quite expensive.
- Enhanced User Experience: Improved compatibility and integration after migrating VB6 to .NET Core allows businesses to embrace new technologies such as the Cloud, expand their digital offerings in the form of mobile applications, and enhance the overall user experience by providing better and more intuitive interfaces.
Current and Target State Architecture
The current state architecture, with an average VB6 application, is primarily based on the Windows operating system. VB6 apps are usually built using a monolithic architecture where various components of a system, such as a user interface, application logic, and data access, are tightly coupled. Furthermore, the deployment of VB6 apps is done on-premises.
With modernization, the target state of architecture to be accomplished leans towards a Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) or Microservices Architecture. Businesses can make use of modern platforms like .NET Core and Azure, which offer highly sophisticated tools and services to build applications with microservices architecture. This style enables services to be loosely coupled, where each service is a self-contained unit that can be independently deployed and scaled. This containerization allows developers great flexibility, enabling them to manage and make changes to individual components easily.
How to Migrate from VB6 to .NET Core and Other Modern Platforms?
There are several approaches to migrating from VB6 to a modern application development framework like .NET Core, each with its own pros and cons. We will be exploring three popular approaches:
- The Rewrite Approach: As the name suggests, the rewrite approach involves completely redeveloping the application from scratch such as the business logic, data access code patterns, and user interface design using contemporary programming languages and modern development practices. Developers usually rewrite the VB6 application using .NET Core (C#/VB.Net), Python, Java, etc., for better performance and scalability depending on their needs.The foremost step in the rewrite approach is to analyze the existing application to identify the list of components and functionalities that need to be rewritten. This can be used to create a blueprint to ensure the new application being built meets all the functional and business requirements.
- The Re-engineering Approach: The re-engineering approach involves modifying the codebase of the existing VB6 application to improve its features and functionalities. In this approach as well, the preliminary step is to analyze the application to understand its dependencies, limitations, and requirements. Also, the key functionalities and components that need improvement are identified.
After this analysis, the re-engineering process is undertaken, which involves replacing outdated code with modern code using frameworks such as .NET Core and migration tools, refactoring the converted code to improve its readability and structure, and optimizing the code for better performance. - The Automated Migration Approach: The automated VB6 migration approach involves the usage of specialized software and tools to automatically convert the VB6 code into modern programming frameworks like .NET Core and languages. The process begins with the assessment and identification of the key functionalities using tools and baselining the codebase of the VB6 application for migration. After this, an appropriate migration tool is selected and used to automatically translate VB6 code into a modern programming language such as C# and VB.NET). After the codebase conversion, code refinement is done using tools or a manual approach as appropriate.
Final Thoughts
To sum it up, it is crucial for businesses to migrate to modern frameworks and bid adieu to VB6 to stay relevant and competitive in this digital age. The benefits of migrating VB6 to .NET Core or other modern frameworks are well worth the effort – it opens doors to new opportunities for putting innovative ideas into practice and growing the business.
With the right strategy and approach, the VB6 migration process can be far more efficient and flawless. Enterprises can easily overcome the associated challenges and transition smoothly to reap the rewards in the long run.
We at KANINI are experts in curating digital transformation experiences for our clients. To get started with migrating your VB6 applications to .NET Core and other modern frameworks, reach out to us today!
Author
Edwin Peter
Edwin is a Solution Architect at KANINI. Bringing 20+ years of IT experience spanning presales, application development & architecting, app modernization, and legacy migration combined with deep knowledge across Telecom, Oil & Gas, IFE, HCM, and Healthcare, Edwin is a true cross-domain solution expert. He is well-versed with both – Windows and Unix/Linux platforms and proficient with .NET, Angular, Azure, and legacy technologies like C/C++/VC++, Perl, and Shell Script.
