The LISTBOX Get number of columns command returns the total number of columns (visible or invisible) present in the list box set in the object and * parameters.
If you pass the optional * parameter, you indicate that the object parameter is an object name (string). If you do not pass this parameter, you indicate that the object parameter is a variable. In this case, you pass a variable reference instead of a string. For more information on object names, refer to the Object Properties section.