For writing new stuff I am currently using PowerBasic and if I have to do .NET I use C#. For my existing VB apps, I am currently still maintaining them in VB 6 (and now and then I have to write something new in VB 6). I am looking for an alternative to VB 6. VB .NET just isn’t a viable alternative to me. A viable alternative would let me migrate a bunch of my code without having to make a lot of changes. I am currently checking out REALbasic 2007 for that purpose. I’ll be posting my experiences as I actually convert different projects. In 2005 they offered existing VB 6 users a free license, which I took advantage of in 2005, but never really used it. I had hoped Visual Studio 2005 would improve the way it converted VB 6 projects, and based on my experience there really isn’t much difference and it’s just not worth bothering.

REALbasic 2007 has a lot of potential. I like the fact that they have a Mac and Linux version. I haven’t tried the Mac version. I do use the Linux version. They have been good about doing regular upgrades. The Pro versions are too pricey for my tastes ($500 for one platform, $750 for two, and $1000 for all three), but if it helps them keep supporting it than I can’t complain too much. The standard version is only $99.00.

REALbasic 2007 Guided Tour
Realbasic for VB programmers
Whitepaper on porting VB apps to Linux or Mac OS X