title: What does the keyword 'Shared' mean in VB.NET?
body: <p>Is <code>Shared</code> is a type of scope or a type of data in VB.NET?  When is it necessary to use the <code>Shared</code> word before a class, function, or sub in VB.NET?  For instance, why would you put <code>Shared</code> in front of the <code>Main</code> method, like this:</p>
  
  <pre><code>Public Shared Sub Main()
      ' ...
  End Sub
  </code></pre>