Can you debug VBScript in Visual Studio?

Question

Can Visual Studio run and debug VBScript files?

Accepted Answer

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
```

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".

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

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

Can you debug VBScript in Visual Studio?

Solution

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