What is a .VBS file?
A .VBS file is a type of script file written in VBScript, which stands for Visual Basic Scripting Edition. VBScript is a programming language that allows developers to write scripts that can automate tasks and manage administrative functions on Windows computers. These scripts are primarily used to automate repetitive tasks, manage system operations, or enhance the functionality of web pages when used with Internet Explorer.
The content of a VBS file includes code that can be executed by the Windows operating system. This execution is typically handled by the Windows-based script host, known as Wscript.exe. This means that when a VBS file is run, the script host processes the instructions within the file to perform specific functions or tasks.
To open and work with a VBS file, several programs can be used: 1. **Microsoft Visual Studio 2022 or newer**: This is a comprehensive development environment that supports VBScript and can be used for editing and debugging VBS files. 2. **Adobe Dreamweaver 2021**: This web development tool can also open and edit VBS files, particularly useful for scripts intended for web pages. 3. **Microsoft Windows Script Host**: This is included with the Windows operating system and is the default program that executes VBS files. 4. **Any text editor**: Simple text editors like Notepad or more advanced ones like Notepad++ can open VBS files for editing. However, these editors do not execute the scripts. 5. **GitHub Atom**: Although not mentioned in the initial list of programs, Atom is a modern text editor that supports various programming languages, including VBScript, for code editing.
VBS files are primarily used by: - **Windows system administrators**: They use these scripts to automate administrative processes such as managing user accounts or network resources. - **Internet Explorer-only webpages**: Some webpages designed specifically for Internet Explorer might use VBScript to perform functions that cannot be achieved with HTML alone. - **Microsoft’s Internet Information Services (IIS) web server**: VBS files can be used for server-side processing of web pages, similar to how PHP scripts work on other servers.
However, the use of VBS files has declined over the years. Most system administrators now prefer using Windows PowerShell, which offers more powerful and flexible scripting capabilities. Additionally, Microsoft has phased out support for VBScript in Internet Explorer as of August 2019, recommending that web developers transition to using JavaScript instead.
It's important to note that while VBS files are still functional
Verification
Our goal is to help people find the most up-to-date information about file extensions for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS. We researched over 10,000 file extensions and their respective programs that open those files. If you want to suggest edits or updates about .VBS file formats, example files, or programs that are compatible. Please contact us.