Classes aren't a new concept in scripting. JavaScript, JScript, and other scripting languages have supported classes or similar elements for years. However, VBScript 5.0 is the first version of VBScript to support classes.
To use classes in your VBScript code, you first need to obtain VBScript 5.0 by downloading the appropriate self-executable file from the Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) Web site (http://msdn.microsoft.com/scripting) or by installing Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE) 5.0. Then you need to understand what a VBScript class is and learn how to declare, define, initialize, and instantiate a class.
Understanding VBScript Classes
VBScript 5.0 supports two types of objects: COM objects and Class objects (typically referred to as simply classes). VBScript COM objects have basic subtypes, such as an Integer or String. VBScript classes have an abstract subtype that encapsulates data and the functions to work with that data. You can think of a VBScript class as having a souped-up subtype that provides you with more computing power and flexibility. (Other differences exist between these two types of objects. For more information, see the Web-exclusive sidebar "How VBScript Classes and COM Objects Differ" on the Win32 Scripting Journal Web site at http://www.winntmag.com/ newsletter/scripting. For more information about COM objects and how to use them in VBScript, see "Understanding VBScript: Object Management," page 6.) . . .
)
Register
Tom Grey January 30, 2003