`Module`

In VB.NET, a Module is not a class—it is a container element, but is not an object. In a Module, all members are shared and have "Friend" accessibility.

Some notes

We cannot instantiate a Module—it serves mainly to organize code in a global, single place. It is similar to a namespace or static class in other languages (such as C#).

This example uses 2 modules

By default, the Sub Main is placed in a Module called "Module1." This is where control flow begins in a VB.NET program.

Info This module has a field, _value, which is shared automatically (implicitly). So the field has only one instance.

Note In Module2 we see a Sub called Increment. This is by default "Friend." It can be easily accessed from Main.

Note 2 When Increment is called, the field _value is changed. This change persists throughout uses of Increment.

Important This demonstrates that the field is shared, even though it has no shared keyword.

Module Module1

    Sub Main()
        ' Use Module2.
        ' ... It does not need to be created.
        Module2.Increment()
        Module2.Increment()
        Module2.Increment()
    End Sub

End Module

Module Module2

    Dim _value As Integer

    Sub Increment()
        ' The value is shared.
        Console.WriteLine(_value)
        ' Change the value.
        _value += 1
    End Sub

End Module0
1
2

Error

We cannot instantiate an instance of a Module. There is no "New" Sub on it. A Module is not a type, but rather an organizational namespace for programs that is shared.

Warning If you try to create a Module, you will get an error. Please consider adding a class to fix this problem.

Module 'Module2' cannot be used as a type.

Discussion

A Module has many rules. For example, it cannot inherit from another module. And you cannot specify the shared keyword on any of its members (they are already shared).

Summary

Modules are common in VB.NET. But more complex data structures are not built with many modules—rather they use classes as building blocks. A module is an organizational construct.