Type Checking in Visual Basic
When converting between data types, the Visual Basic compiler can operate under strict or permissive type semantics. If strict type semantics are in effect, only widening conversions are permitted implicitly, and narrowing conversions must be explicit. Under permissive type semantics, you can attempt all widening and narrowing conversions implicitly. Type semantics apply to conversions between all data types, including object types.
Ways to Set the Type Checking Option
Visual Basic provides a switch that controls type checking. By default, this switch is Off, and the compiler allows implicit narrowing conversions. If you turn the switch On, the compiler enforces strict type semantics.
Type Checking Switch
You can set the type checking switch On or Off in any of the following ways:
Set the appropriate project property in the Properties window of the integrated development environment (IDE)
Specify the /optionstrict command-line compiler option
Include the Option Strict statement at the beginning of your code
If you use the OptionStrict statement, that setting overrides both the project property and compiler option settings, but only for the source code file in which it appears. For more information, see Option Strict Statement.
Performance Advantage
Setting Option Strict to On has the advantage of forcing early binding. This improves performance.
See Also
Tasks
How to: Modify Project Properties and Configuration Settings
Concepts
Typeless Programming in Visual Basic
Implicit and Explicit Declaration
Object as the Universal Data Type
Widening and Narrowing Conversions
Implicit and Explicit Conversions