A VBScript file (.vbs) is a text file containing code written in Visual Basic Scripting Edition (VBScript). VBScript is a scripting language developed by Microsoft and derived from Visual Basic. It's primarily used for automating tasks within the Windows operating system, interacting with COM (Component Object Model) objects, and creating dynamic web pages when embedded in HTML. VBScript files can be executed by the Windows Script Host (WSH), which is a built-in scripting engine in Windows. They are often used for system administration tasks, such as managing files, registry settings, and network configurations. While VBScript was once a popular choice for client-side web scripting, its use has declined significantly in favor of JavaScript due to security concerns and cross-platform compatibility issues. VBScript files can be opened and edited with any text editor, but they require the Windows Script Host to be executed.