What language do you recommend?

Audigex

Audigex

Audigex

Associate
Joined
3 Feb 2009
Posts
2,245
Hey

I'm taking up a small project to fill out the remainder of my summer, just a few weeks - basically to keep my programming skills sharp and get back into the academic mindset for next year at uni.

I decided that I'd rather make something useful for myself, but I'm avoiding ruling out any public release (in case it turns out it's worth continuing with) - and figured that the only two pieces of software that I don't have one I like are note-taking and budgeting/finance.

Note-taking is pretty much covered by OneNote, although it's not perfect (next years project, perhaps =D) so I'm going with a nice little budgeting/finance app, one that's actually useful for students specifically, but also just normal people - nothing extravagant, just the ability to enter one off, repeating and regular incomings and outgoings.

But, I can't decide what programming language to use. I know PHP well, and Java useably, but neither seem to fit. I want it to be non-web based (so I can use it on the train, for example), so PHP is pretty much out. But I also hate Java for real-world programs, give me an EXE or give me death - so I'd rather avoid it unless someone can show me a nice easy way to create an executable (ie, double click it) file.

So that leaves me with "everything else" - which isn't too much of an issue, I'm willing to learn it as I go and programming is essentially programming. C++ seems okay, but I've no experience with memory handling as yet.

So, basic requirements are
1) Easy/no memory handling
2) Easy creation of fairly simple GUIs (similar to swing, if possible) especially form-based, as a lot of this will be entering of accounts/data
3) Can be compiled into a single file or installer which I can run as a normal program (no command line ********)

If anyone can recommend a language, or combination of language and library, which does the above, I'd be very grateful :-)

Thanks
 
C#, virtually never need to use pointers altough it can use them wheras vb.net can't.

VC++.NET 2008 is not too bad either easy to do GUI'S as in c#.

Other option is vb.net which is a viable choice altough i rather the syntax of c#.

Need the .net framework installed to run .net languages mind.
 
Audigex said:
C# seems like a good shout, not 100% keen on going .net for it though. I'll have a look at it though :)
Click to expand...

To be honest, unless you want to be able to use the app on platforms other than Windows then C# sounds ideal for your needs.
And even then I hear Mono is coming along pretty well at the minute.

Seriously, if you've ever done any GUI stuff in Java then C# will be like a dream in comparison.
For simple forms apps then WinForms (or WPF now) combined with .NET databinding makes life a breeze.
 
I wouldn't have minded keeping linux compatability, I'm tempted to switch my Eee and laptop to ubuntu for performance reasons (leaving the PC as the gaming box) - but I can survive with windows for now :-)
 
how about python?

Has GUI plugins etc although I haven't used them and as long as you include the required files can be put into one installer.
 
C#, dont worry about the .NET framework as everyone has it these days. Vista ships with the .NET framework and it's included in XP SP2.
 
DireEmblem - since primarly it's for my personal use and experience (with a public release being possible only if it's worthwhile), ipod/mobile apps are instantly out. My old sony phone won't handle anything interesting, and I refuse to buy an iPhone until it's got a profit margin rated at a level less than "extortionate". Also, I discount Java in my original post.

Kobrakai (and other c# advocates) C# does seem the recommended way to go - the .NET framework isn't too much of a problem (same reason as above) but as mentioned, I was rather hoping for multi-platform. This is winning at the moment though, as it sounds like it's well matched to the sort of interface I need.

Harvey/Labrat - Python is a language I've never really looked at - is it properly multi-platform (assuming I compile for different platforms)? Can I distribute it as a single file and run it from a single shortcut? The syntax looks quite tidy from what I've seen due to the indentation style, but is it any good for user interfaces?
 
I've only looked at the basics of Python myself and as far as I am aware it is properly multi platform. Python ships with linux and with windows you will need to make sure the required files are added to the install but there are guides out there for this.

I was learning PHP at the time and was really surprised just how similar the two are in their basics, and as you know PHP you may find it easier to get into.

As for user interfaces, you will need to use 'Python GUI', again, not used it myself but everyone raves about it.

Once I've got to grips with PHP and SQL I will be moving on to Python.
 
Hmm, I've just seen JSmooth which is mighty attractive.

Thanks for the suggestions guys, I think I've got enough to go on to make an informed choice - I'll be sure to update the thread if it ever gets anywhere too :-)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom