title: What does it mean when variables start with a dot/period in vb.net?
body: <p>Some of the parameters in this call for example:</p>
  
  <pre><code> ConnectToDatabase(oCustomPropReader.ConnectionType, .ConnectString, _
             oCustomPropReader.SystemMdb, .UserName, .Password)
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>Why do UsernName, Password, and ConnectString have dots before them? Thanks!</p>