A Visual Basic .NET project is made up of one or more separate source files. During the process known as compilation, these files are brought together into one package — a single executable file that can be run as an application.

Visual Basic .NET provides a command-line compiler as an alternative to compiling programs from within the Visual Studio .NET integrated development environment (IDE). The command-line compiler is designed for situations in which you do not require the full set of features in the IDE; for example, when you are using or writing for computers with limited system memory or storage space.

To compile source files from within the Visual Studio .NET IDE, choose the Build command from the Build menu. To compile project (.vbproj) files at the command line, see Devenv Command Line Switches.

In This Section

Invoking the Command-Line Compiler

Describes how to invoke the command-line compiler at the MS-DOS prompt or from a specific subdirectory.

Sample Compilation Command Lines

Provides a list of sample command lines that you can modify for your own use.

Related Sections

Visual Basic Compiler Options

Provides lists of compiler options, organized alphabetically or by purpose.

Conditional Compilation Overview

Describes how to compile particular sections of code.

Preparing and Managing Builds

Describes how to organize what will be included in different builds, choose project properties, and ensure that projects build in the correct order.