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visual-studiodebuggingvbscript

Can you debug VBScript in Visual Studio?

Can Visual Studio run and debug VBScript files?

Solution

  • First of all VBScript is an interpreted language and does not need to be compiled.

    But yes, you can debug your VBScript file inside Visual Studio. Under "Tools / External Tools" you have to register the Windows Script Host (CScript.exe or WScript.exe) once with some startup parameters (to make it available in the Tools menu):

    Title:             VBScript Debug
Command:           C:\Windows\System32\cscript.exe
Arguments:         //nologo //X $(ItemPath)
Initial directory: $(ItemDir)
Check "Use Output window"
Hit the OK button

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    Then, just open the file you want to debug with Visual Studio (via File --> Open --> File...)

    In order to start the debugger, just click "Tools / VBScript Debug".

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    The VS JIT debugger asks you, which debugger you want to use. Just select your *.vbs file and click Yes:

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    Note: This answer is still valid and works with Visual Studio 2019 & 2022.