In classic Visual Basic (VB6), what is the difference between the Property Get, Property Let, and Property Set procedures when defining properties in a class or user control?

Introduction / Context:
Classic Visual Basic version 6 uses special procedures to implement properties in classes and user controls. These procedures are called Property Get, Property Let, and Property Set. Each plays a specific role depending on whether the property is read only, write only, or related to object references. Understanding their differences is important for maintaining VB6 projects and for interview questions on legacy technologies.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are working with VB6, not modern VB.NET.
• Properties can hold simple data types such as Integer or String, or they can hold references to objects.
• Property procedures define how properties are read and written.
• The language distinguishes between assigning values and assigning object references.

Concept / Approach:
In VB6, Property Get is used to return the current value of a property when it is read. Property Let is used to assign a new value to a property whose type is a simple data type, such as Integer, String, or Boolean. Property Set is used to assign an object reference to a property whose type is an object, such as a Form, a class instance, or a control. This distinction is necessary because VB6 treats object references differently from simple values. Therefore, the correct option must describe these three roles accurately.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1 Recall that Property Get includes code that returns the property value to the caller, functioning similarly to a getter. Step 2 Remember that Property Let includes code that accepts a simple value parameter and stores it in a private variable, functioning as a setter for non object types. Step 3 Recall that Property Set includes code that accepts an object reference and stores it, functioning as a setter for object type properties. Step 4 Select the option that correctly states that Property Get returns values, Property Let assigns simple type values, and Property Set assigns object references.

Verification / Alternative check:
VB6 documentation and examples show classes with a private variable and corresponding Property Get and Property Let procedures for simple type properties. For object properties, examples show Property Get and Property Set. The syntax explicitly differentiates between Let and Set, which confirms that they have distinct roles and that Get is used for reading values.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The option that reverses the roles of Get and Let or claims that Property Set deletes properties is incorrect and does not match language behavior. The statement that Get is for methods, Let for events, and Set for modules is unrelated to property implementation. Saying that Get and Let are obsolete and that only Set is valid is also false, especially in VB6 where the distinction is required. The claim that there is no functional difference between the three procedures contradicts their very design.

Common Pitfalls:
Developers new to VB6 often forget to use Property Set for object type properties and mistakenly use Let, which leads to compilation errors. Another pitfall is not providing both Get and Let or Set when a property needs to be both readable and writable. Understanding the correct usage of these procedures helps in writing clear and maintainable VB6 components.

Final Answer:
In VB6, Property Get returns the current value, Property Let assigns a value to a property of a simple data type, and Property Set assigns an object reference to an object type property.