I've heard that VBScript (VBS) is going to be phased out by around 2026 or 2027, and I'm quite concerned about it. I've built a library of scripts that help automate a lot of my daily tasks using VBS. While I'm aware of PowerShell as a potential successor, I find it a bit tricky to learn, and it's mainly a Windows tool like VBS. I've seen some discussions about using Java or JavaScript, but I'm not sure if they are suitable alternatives. Any thoughts on what programming language would be the best replacement for VBS?
3 Answers
Microsoft has really been pushing PowerShell as the go-to replacement for VBScript for quite some time. It might seem outdated, but it actually still gets the job done for most automation tasks nowadays.
VBScript has been around for a long time, but it's hard to argue that it's outdated. While it’s easy to use, that simplicity is what keeps many loyal to it. But if you're looking for an alternative, Python has been a strong contender for scripting for a while now. It has tons of libraries that can make your automation tasks easier, but it comes with a steeper learning curve compared to VBS.
One of the main things is that I have to go through multiple directories, find files that have specific properties, write them into a text file, use some Zipper to read the file, zip the specified files, and send them through Outlook. The reverse should also be possible: Read the Zip file, and copy the files to their respective Paths.
PowerShell has been suggested as the main replacement for VBS, and it's actually not that difficult to pick up. Plus, it's not limited to Windows anymore; it has expanded quite a bit. It's true that a lot of businesses still rely on VBScript, especially for automating tasks in Excel, so you're not alone in your concerns about the transition.
Thanks for the breakdown. Yes, it sounds like that would be the way to go... until they phase that out as well.
Would you say that anything that's possible with VBS is also possible with PowerShell?
Which would indicate that Powershell is also somewhat outdated, and due for replacement at some point? Any info on this?