INFO: Visual Basic Supports P-Code and Native Code Compilation (229415)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Visual Basic Professional Edition for Windows 5.0
  • Microsoft Visual Basic Professional Edition for Windows 6.0
  • Microsoft Visual Basic Enterprise Edition for Windows 5.0
  • Microsoft Visual Basic Enterprise Edition for Windows 6.0
This article was previously published under Q229415

SUMMARY

Microsoft Visual Basic is a Rapid Application Development (RAD) tool that offers the flexibility of compiling applications to p-code (pseudo code) or native code.

Compiling to p-code optimizes for the smallest size, making p-code the choice for creating Internet applications in low bandwidth situations. Native code compilation is highly optimized for speed, but the executable files produced are larger than the p-code versions. Visual Basic is the only RAD tool to support both rapid application development through p-code as well as native code compiling for performance.

NOTE: Visual Basic projects compiled as p-code or native code programs still require the Visual Basic run-time DLL (MSVBVM50.DLL or MSVBVM60.DLL) to be installed in the target system. This run-time DLL provides a number of services for your compiled program, such as startup and shutdown code for your application, functionality for forms and intrinsic controls, and run-time functions such as Format and CLng.

REFERENCES

For more information about p-code and native code compilation, please see:

Compiling Your Project to Native Code in the Online Help or the MSDN Web site at:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/devprods/vs6/vb/html/vbconcompilingyourprojecttonativecode.htm.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:7/18/2001
Keywords:kbCompiler kbFAQ kbinfo KB229415
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.