rc-migration-tests/vb-migration/migration-steps.md

VB.NET to C# Migration Guide

Migration Sequence - Important!

Recommended Order of Migration

The migration should be performed in two distinct phases to minimize complications and ensure a smooth transition:

1. First Phase: .NET Framework to .NET 8 Migration (Stay in VB.NET)

   • Focus only on framework compatibility
   • Keep the original VB.NET language
   • Use .NET Upgrade Assistant
   • Test thoroughly before proceeding

2. Second Phase: VB.NET to C# Conversion

   • Convert the working .NET 8 VB.NET code to C#
   • Use local code conversion tools
   • Apply C# best practices
   • Final testing and optimization

Rationale for This Sequence

• Separates framework issues from language syntax issues
• Easier debugging and problem isolation
• Framework migration tools work better with VB.NET
• Allows parallel testing between versions
• Reduces complexity of each migration step

Example Migration Path

Starting Point: VB.NET on .NET Framework 4.7.1
↓
Step 1: VB.NET on .NET 8 (framework migration)
↓
Step 2: C# on .NET 8 (language conversion)

AI-Assisted Migration Support

Available AI Tools

1. Claude

   • Code analysis and review
   • Pattern modernization suggestions
   • Documentation generation
   • Error resolution
   • Test case generation
   • Code optimization suggestions

2. ChatGPT

   • Code conversion assistance
   • Modern pattern suggestions
   • Testing strategy suggestions
   • Documentation help

3. Windsurf

   • Code completion
   • Pattern suggestions
   • Security checks
   • Best practice recommendations

Primary Migration Tools

1. .NET Upgrade Assistant (Free)

Features

• Official Microsoft tool
• Command-line interface
• Framework upgrade automation
• Package dependency updates
• Configuration file updates

Installation

dotnet tool install -g upgrade-assistant

Usage for Framework Migration

# Analyze your solution
upgrade-assistant analyze your-solution.sln

# Perform the upgrade
upgrade-assistant upgrade your-solution.sln

2. ICSharpCode.CodeConverter (Free, Open Source)

Features

• Built on Roslyn
• Command-line and Visual Studio integration
• Community-supported
• Regular updates
• Batch processing capability

Installation

dotnet tool install --global ICSharpCode.CodeConverter.Cli

3. Visual Studio Built-in Tools (Free with Community Edition)

Features

• Code analysis tools
• Refactoring capabilities
• Project system tools
• Framework compatibility checking
• IntelliSense support

Detailed Migration Steps with AI Enhancement

1. Preparation Phase

1. Analyze current codebase

   • Document dependencies
   • Identify framework-specific code
   • List external packages
   • Note VB.NET specific features

   AI Enhancement:

   • Use Claude to analyze code patterns and identify potential migration challenges
   • Use ChatGPT to create a detailed dependency map
   • Use Windsurf to identify outdated patterns

   Example prompt for Claude: "Analyze this VB.NET code and identify:
   1. Framework-specific dependencies
   2. Outdated patterns that should be modernized
   3. Potential migration challenges"
   

2. Setup Environment

   • Install Visual Studio Community Edition
   • Install .NET Upgrade Assistant
   • Install ICSharpCode.CodeConverter
   • Set up version control
   • Create backup of all code

3. Plan Migration Strategy

   • Identify smallest/simplest libraries to start
   • Create test cases for validation
   • Document current functionality
   • Set up continuous integration

   AI Enhancement:

   • Use Claude or ChatGPT to generate test cases
   • Use Windsurf for security considerations

   Example prompt for ChatGPT: "Based on this code, generate:
   1. Unit test scenarios
   2. Integration test cases
   3. Documentation structure"
   

2. Framework Migration Phase (Step 1)

1. Framework Update

   • Run .NET Upgrade Assistant analysis
   • Review suggested changes
   • Update package references
   • Fix compatibility issues

   AI Enhancement:

   • Use Claude to review upgrade-assistant suggestions
   • Use Windsurf for security implications

   Example prompt: "Review these .NET Framework 4.7.1 configuration settings 
   and suggest equivalent .NET 8 configurations"
   

[Continue with all sections as before, but replace tool references with only Claude, ChatGPT, and Windsurf...]

AI-Assisted Best Practices

Code Review Enhancement

Use AI tools to:

• Claude for code quality and modernization
• ChatGPT for pattern suggestions
• Windsurf for security checks

Example prompt for Claude: "Review this converted C# code for:
1. Potential bugs
2. Performance issues
3. Modern C# feature opportunities"

Testing Strategy Enhancement

Use AI tools to:

• Claude for test case generation
• ChatGPT for edge case identification
• Windsurf for security test scenarios

Example prompt for ChatGPT: "For this business logic, suggest:
1. Key test scenarios
2. Edge cases
3. Test data examples"

Documentation Enhancement

Use AI tools to:

• Claude for technical documentation
• ChatGPT for usage examples
• Windsurf for security documentation

Example prompt for Claude: "Create documentation for this migrated code including:
1. API reference
2. Migration decisions
3. Usage examples"

Conclusion

A successful migration can be achieved by:

• Following the correct migration sequence (Framework first, then Language)
• Leveraging specified AI tools effectively
• Using local conversion tools
• Conducting thorough testing
• Maintaining good documentation

AI Tool Best Practices

1. Always review AI-generated code
2. Test all suggestions thoroughly
3. Use AI tools iteratively for improvements
4. Keep security in mind when sharing code with AI tools
5. Document which parts were AI-assisted for future reference
6. Use each AI tool for its strengths:
   • Claude: Code analysis and modernization
   • ChatGPT: Pattern suggestions and documentation
   • Windsurf: Security and best practices

Start with a small pilot project to validate the process and AI tool effectiveness before proceeding with the full migration.