>>>>number is not an integer; it's a nullable integer because of the ?
>>>> int? value = null;
>>>> Console.WriteLine(value.HasValue);
>>>> value = 1;
>>>> Console.WriteLine(value.HasValue);
>>>> Console.WriteLine(value)
>>>>
>>>>When I run this I get
>>>>false
>>>>true
>>>>1
>>>
>>>It appears this syntax is C# only. Could it be?
>>
>>the ? appears to c# only.
>>
>>This this alternate form
>>
>>https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/b3h38hb0%28v=vs.110%29.aspx
>
>According to the Remarks section of your link, you can use Integer? in VB.

Yes, it seems to but Michel's experience contradicts it
I don't run VB, so I can't test it