DEV341 Visual Basic: Migrating and Upgrading Lessons Learned Jay Roxe Product Manager Microsoft

DEV341 Visual Basic: Migrating and Upgrading Lessons Learned

DEV341 Visual Basic: Migrating and Upgrading Lessons Learned

Jay RoxeJay RoxeProduct ManagerProduct ManagerMicrosoftMicrosoft

AgendaAgenda

Migration Strategy And PitfallsMigration Strategy And Pitfalls

VB .NET Language AidsVB .NET Language Aids

VB6 Code AdvisorVB6 Code Advisor

Migration WizardMigration Wizard

Amplifying the ApplicationAmplifying the Application

Not Everything Gets MigratedNot Everything Gets Migrated

Inventory and evaluate applicationsInventory and evaluate applications

Education: Get some VB .NET Education: Get some VB .NET ExperienceExperience

Target a few small applicationsTarget a few small applicationsPick Carefully! Evaluate the apps firstPick Carefully! Evaluate the apps first

Migrate one piece at a timeMigrate one piece at a timeHorizontal Slice: UI or Middle TierHorizontal Slice: UI or Middle Tier

Vertical Slice: Bank formsVertical Slice: Bank forms

New Application DevelopmentNew Application Development

Tools help migrationTools help migrationVB6 ApplicationVB6 Application

VB6VB6

VB6VB6

VB.NETVB.NET

Prepare for upgradePrepare for upgrade


Upgrade and fix issuesUpgrade and fix issues


Enhance Enhance with new with new featuresfeatures

VB6VB6

VB6VB6VB6VB6

Micro Issues are 88%Micro Issues are 88%Simple to fix. Simple to fix.

Create “Noise”Create “Noise”

Five issues represent 88% of all upgrade Five issues represent 88% of all upgrade issuesissues

Default propertiesDefault properties 52%52%

Property/method not upgradedProperty/method not upgraded 13%13%

Property/method different behaviorProperty/method different behavior 12%12%

Module methods of COM objectsModule methods of COM objects 7%7%

Null/IsNullNull/IsNull 4%4%

Strongly Typed VariablesStrongly Typed Variables

Visual Basic 6.0 codeVisual Basic 6.0 code

After upgradeAfter upgrade

Result: works perfectlyResult: works perfectly

Dim myTextBox As TextBoxmyTextBox = "Hey There"

Dim myTextBox As System.Windows.Forms.TextBoxmyTextBox.Text = "Hey There"

Visual Basic 6.0 codeVisual Basic 6.0 code

After upgradeAfter upgrade

Result: Runtime errorResult: Runtime error

Dim myTextBoxmyTextBox = "Hey There"

Dim myTextBox As Object'UPGRADE_WARNING: Couldn't resolve default property of object myTextBox. myTextBox = "Hey There"

Latebound VariablesLatebound Variables

Choice Of SolutionsChoice Of Solutions

Solution 1: Prepare in Visual Basic 6.0Solution 1: Prepare in Visual Basic 6.0

Solution 2: Fix after upgradingSolution 2: Fix after upgrading

Dim myTextBoxmyTextBox = "Hey There"

Dim myTextBox As Object'UPGRADE_WARNING: Couldn't resolve default property of object myTextBox. myTextBox.Text = "Hey There"

As TextBox

.Text

Macro IssuesMacro IssuesActiveX DocumentsActiveX Documents

DHTML PagesDHTML Pages

UserControls. Leave in VB6, UserControls. Leave in VB6, Navigate to VB.NETNavigate to VB.NET

StrPtr, ObjPtr, VarPtrStrPtr, ObjPtr, VarPtr Memory pinningMemory pinning

GraphicsGraphics Use GDI+Use GDI+

Deterministic finalizationDeterministic finalization DisposeDispose

Use GC methodsUse GC methods

RDO/DAO data bindingRDO/DAO data binding Use ADO, ADO.NETUse ADO, ADO.NET

TransactionsTransactions System.EnterpriseServicesSystem.EnterpriseServices

GoSubGoSub ProceduresProcedures

AgendaAgenda






Using COM From .NETUsing COM From .NET

Runtime CallableRuntime CallableWrapperWrapper

IFooIFoo

IUnknownIUnknown Common Language Common Language RuntimeRuntime

ComServerComServer

ClientClient

ReferenceCounted

ObjectObject

Best PracticeBest Practice

Use Primary Interop AssembliesUse Primary Interop AssembliesProduced by COM API ownerProduced by COM API owner

May be modified for correctness or managed client May be modified for correctness or managed client friendlinessfriendliness

Recognized by Visual Studio.NET Recognized by Visual Studio.NET

Ensure consistent identity for Interop typesEnsure consistent identity for Interop types

Visual Studio ships with PIAsVisual Studio ships with PIAsC:\Program Files\Microsoft.NET\Primary Interop C:\Program Files\Microsoft.NET\Primary Interop AssembliesAssemblies

Office 2003 PIAs also availableOffice 2003 PIAs also availablehttp://http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?urlmsdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/downloads/list/=/downloads/list/office.aspoffice.asp

http://msdn.microsoft.com/downloads/default.asp?url=/downloads/sample.asp?url=/msdn-files/027/001/999/msdncompositedoc.xml




Exposing Managed APIs to COMExposing Managed APIs to COM

Many unmanaged clients/hosts existMany unmanaged clients/hosts existInternet ExplorerInternet Explorer

OfficeOffice

Windows shellWindows shell

Every managed object is a COM objectEvery managed object is a COM objectHas a class factoryHas a class factory

Implements IUnknown, IDispatchImplements IUnknown, IDispatch

Type library can be generated using tlbexp.exe Type library can be generated using tlbexp.exe (Type Library Exporter)(Type Library Exporter)

CCW (COM Callable Wrapper) takes care of all this CCW (COM Callable Wrapper) takes care of all this during runtimeduring runtime

.NET from COM.NET from COM

IFooIFoo

IDispatchIDispatch

IUnknownIUnknown

COM COM CallableCallableWrapperWrapper

ServerServer

IFooIFoo

Common Language Common Language RuntimeRuntime

ClientClient

COM ClientCOM Client

ProblemsProblems

Not all the features of managed objects are Not all the features of managed objects are exposable to COMexposable to COM

Static (shared) methods not exposedStatic (shared) methods not exposed

Parameterized constructors not exposedParameterized constructors not exposed

Overloaded methods are renamedOverloaded methods are renamed

COM VisibilityCOM VisibilityTypes are visible to COM by default; so what?Types are visible to COM by default; so what?

Are they usable from COM by default? Maybe not!Are they usable from COM by default? Maybe not!

.NET Framework Examples.NET Framework ExamplesSystem.Math contains only static methodsSystem.Math contains only static methods

System.Collections.BitArray does not have a default System.Collections.BitArray does not have a default constructorconstructor

COM InteropCOM Interop

VisualBasic.dllVisualBasic.dll

CollectionCollection Constants (Constants (vbCancel, vbCrLf…vbCancel, vbCrLf…

ControlChars (ControlChars (CrLf, Tab,…CrLf, Tab,…

DateAndTime (DateAndTime (DateAdd…DateAdd…

ErrObjectErrObject FileSystemFileSystem Information (Information (IsDate, IsDBNull, …IsDate, IsDBNull, …

VBMathVBMath

VisualBasic.Compatibility.dllVisualBasic.Compatibility.dll

Class DirListBoxEx Inherits Microsoft.VisualBasic.Compatibility.VB6.DirListBoxEnd Class

Class DirListBoxEx Inherits Microsoft.VisualBasic.Compatibility.VB6.DirListBoxEnd Class

Caution: Functions in the Visual Basic 6.0 Compatibility library are provided only for use by the upgrading tools. Although it is possible to use this library when writing new code, there is no guarantee that it will be supported in future versions of Visual Basic.

AgendaAgenda






Prepare VB6 codePrepare VB6 code

Strongly type variablesStrongly type variables

Null PropagationNull Propagation

Non zero lower bound arraysNon zero lower bound arrays

Replace values with EnumsReplace values with Enums

Incompatible propertiesIncompatible properties

Module methodsModule methods

“Code Advisor” a.k.a “FixIt”“Code Advisor” a.k.a “FixIt”

ConfigurationConfiguration

HTML summaryHTML summary

Extending theExtending the “Code “Code Advisor”Advisor”

Dim prpObj As Property'FIXIT: Declare 'vTmp' with an early-bound data type FixIT90210ae-R1672-R1B8ZEDim vTmp As Variant'FIXIT: Declare 'vNew' with an early-bound data type FixIT90210ae-R1672-R1B8ZE Dim vNew As Variant Dim frmProp As New frmProperty

Dim prpObj As Property'FIXIT: Declare 'vTmp' with an early-bound data type FixIT90210ae-R1672-R1B8ZEDim vTmp As Variant'FIXIT: Declare 'vNew' with an early-bound data type FixIT90210ae-R1672-R1B8ZE Dim vNew As Variant Dim frmProp As New frmProperty

Preparing VB 6 ProjectsPreparing VB 6 ProjectsVisual Basic 6.0 Code AdvisorVisual Basic 6.0 Code Advisor

1.) <'# condition'> not upgraded reliably to 1.) <'# condition'> not upgraded reliably to Visual Basic .NETVisual Basic .NET

11.) The use of <'enumeration'> is not valid 11.) The use of <'enumeration'> is not valid for the property being assignedfor the property being assigned

2.) <'item'> project item type is not 2.) <'item'> project item type is not supported in Visual Basic .NET and will supported in Visual Basic .NET and will not be upgradednot be upgraded

12.) There is no Line control in Visual 12.) There is no Line control in Visual Basic .NETBasic .NET

3.) <'object'> not upgraded to Visual 3.) <'object'> not upgraded to Visual Basic .NET by the Upgrade WizardBasic .NET by the Upgrade Wizard

13.) There is no Shape control in Visual 13.) There is no Shape control in Visual Basic .NETBasic .NET

4.) <'property / method / event'> has no 4.) <'property / method / event'> has no Visual Basic .NET equivalent and will not Visual Basic .NET equivalent and will not be upgradedbe upgraded

14.) UpDown controls are not upgraded to 14.) UpDown controls are not upgraded to Visual Basic .NET by the Upgrade WizardVisual Basic .NET by the Upgrade Wizard

5.) As Any is not supported in Visual 5.) As Any is not supported in Visual Basic .NET. Use a specific typeBasic .NET. Use a specific type

15.) Use Option Explicit to avoid implicitly 15.) Use Option Explicit to avoid implicitly creating variables of type Variantcreating variables of type Variant

6.) Changing ScaleMode at run-time is not 6.) Changing ScaleMode at run-time is not supportedsupported

16.) <'property'> is not a property of the 16.) <'property'> is not a property of the generic <'object'> object in Visual generic <'object'> object in Visual Basic .NET.Basic .NET.

7.) Replace DAO Data Binding with ADO7.) Replace DAO Data Binding with ADO 17.) Whenever possible replace ActiveForm 17.) Whenever possible replace ActiveForm or ActiveControl with an early-bound or ActiveControl with an early-bound variablevariable

8.) Replace <'variant'> function with 8.) Replace <'variant'> function with <'string'> function<'string'> function

18.) Declare <'variable'> with an early-bound 18.) Declare <'variable'> with an early-bound data typedata type

9.) Return has new meaning in Visual 9.) Return has new meaning in Visual Basic .NETBasic .NET

19) Keyword <'keyword'> not supported in 19) Keyword <'keyword'> not supported in Visual Basic .NetVisual Basic .Net

10.) The project relies on COM+ transactions 10.) The project relies on COM+ transactions that must be upgraded manuallythat must be upgraded manually

20). Non Zero lowerbound arrays are not 20). Non Zero lowerbound arrays are not supportedsupported

Issues Identified by the Code AdvisorIssues Identified by the Code Advisor


AgendaAgenda






Before Upgrade WizardBefore Upgrade Wizard

MustMust be able to compile VB6 app be able to compile VB6 app

MustMust have design time license files have design time license files

MustMust have all referenced components have all referenced components (required for Interop assemblies)(required for Interop assemblies)

ShouldShould remove unused references, remove unused references, particularly for ActiveX controlsparticularly for ActiveX controls

Upgrade WizardUpgrade Wizard

EXE & DLLEXE & DLL

Copies projectCopies project

Creates reportsCreates reports

Links to HelpLinks to Help

Four LevelsFour LevelsIssueIssue No Automatic UpgradeNo Automatic UpgradeToDoToDo Requires Finishing Requires Finishing WarningWarning Possible Behavior ChangePossible Behavior ChangeNoteNote InformationalInformational

Upgrade WizardUpgrade WizardForm LayoutForm Layout

ActiveX ControlsActiveX Controls

ADO Data BindingADO Data Binding

CodeCode

Syntax ChangesSyntax Changes

COM LibrariesCOM Libraries

RES filesRES files

Behavior warningsBehavior warnings

Visual Basic .NET Visual Basic .NET Migration WizardMigration Wizard

AgendaAgenda






Take Advantage of .NETTake Advantage of .NET

Replace ADO with ADO .NETReplace ADO with ADO .NET

Replace ActiveX controlsReplace ActiveX controls

Web-enableWeb-enable

Mobile front endMobile front end

ReflectionReflection

Web servicesWeb services

Adding an ASP.NET Adding an ASP.NET Front EndFront End

Looking Forward: VB 2005Looking Forward: VB 2005Upgrade MTS and COM+ projectsUpgrade MTS and COM+ projects• • Upgrade the following controls from VB6 to Windows Forms controls:Upgrade the following controls from VB6 to Windows Forms controls: WebBrowser, Toolbar, ImageList, TreeView, ListView, OleContainer, WebBrowser, Toolbar, ImageList, TreeView, ListView, OleContainer, RichTextEdit, ProgressBar, StatusBar, CommonDialog, MaskedEditRichTextEdit, ProgressBar, StatusBar, CommonDialog, MaskedEdit • • Upgrade code that uses string-based-keys in forms control collections Upgrade code that uses string-based-keys in forms control collections • • Upgrade code that changes the key value in the KeyPress event Upgrade code that changes the key value in the KeyPress event • • Upgrade to the BackgroundImageLayout property Upgrade to the BackgroundImageLayout property • • Upgrade the VB6 App object to the Whidbey My object Upgrade the VB6 App object to the Whidbey My object • • Upgrade Unload Mode Parameter of QueryUnload event to ClosingReason Upgrade Unload Mode Parameter of QueryUnload event to ClosingReason • • Upgrade forms to use the new Partial Type format Upgrade forms to use the new Partial Type format • • Upgrade default instance to use Whidbey's support for default instances Upgrade default instance to use Whidbey's support for default instances • • Upgrade the forms collection to the Whidbey forms collection Upgrade the forms collection to the Whidbey forms collection • • Upgrade VB6 Printers collection object to the My.Computer.Printers object Upgrade VB6 Printers collection object to the My.Computer.Printers object • • Upgrade VB6 clipboard object to the My.Computer.Clipboard Upgrade VB6 clipboard object to the My.Computer.Clipboard • • Upgrade LoadResString, LoadResData, LoadResPicture to use My.ResourcesUpgrade LoadResString, LoadResData, LoadResPicture to use My.Resources

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List of newsgroupsList of newsgroupshttp://communities2.microsoft.com/http://communities2.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/en-us/default.aspxcommunities/newsgroups/en-us/default.aspx

MS Community SitesMS Community Siteshttp://www.microsoft.com/communities/default.mspxhttp://www.microsoft.com/communities/default.mspx

Locate Local User GroupsLocate Local User Groupshttp://www.microsoft.com/communities/usergroups/default.mspxhttp://www.microsoft.com/communities/usergroups/default.mspx

Community sitesCommunity siteshttp://www.microsoft.com/communities/related/default.mspxhttp://www.microsoft.com/communities/related/default.mspx

http://www.microsoft.com/communities/chats/default.mspx

http://www.microsoft.com/usa/webcasts/default.asp

http://communities2.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/en-us/default.aspx

http://communities2.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/en-us/default.aspx

http://www.microsoft.com/communities/default.mspx

http://www.microsoft.com/communities/usergroups/default.mspx

http://www.microsoft.com/communities/related/default.mspx

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© 2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.This presentation is for informational purposes only. Microsoft makes no warranties, express or implied, in this summary.