>>but then VFP has a built in data handling language which is fast and >>extremely robust.

This is only an advantage when the data is local. With the advent of ADO, and the fact that ADO is based on the VFP engine - data handling is not the big advantage it used to be. Also, if ActiveX controls are involved - VB wins hand's down here. Finally, if middle tier items are involved - VB is scaleable - VFP servers are not. Once again VB would win hands down.

Bascially, this answer is not that simple.