Computer programming language to use?
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More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 688
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From: Fairbanks, AK
Computer programming language to use?
I would like to create a program to help out at work but don't know what language to look at (c++, java, perl, etc...) It will be pretty simple, just provide boxes for user to input data values and the programs runs some simple calcuations and outputs parameters. Nothing graphical needed at all. I have a spreadsheet in Excel which does everything, but spreadsheet formulas get corrupted by users, even when protected. I have access to Macromedia Flash on a PC, could this be done in Flash easier?
We use Windows 2000 and Windows 2000 Server at work right now. We may upgrade to Windows XP or Windows Server 2003 soon. My PC based notebook died last month and I have been using my Powerbook (Mac). It would be more convienent for me to be able to program from Mac, but I could do it on a PC if needed. End user platforms will all be PC / Windows based.
I don't really have any programming experience, other than BASIC from about 20 years ago. There are plenty of resourses on the Web and at the library to learn programming, but I just have to pick the language.
Thanks for your input.
We use Windows 2000 and Windows 2000 Server at work right now. We may upgrade to Windows XP or Windows Server 2003 soon. My PC based notebook died last month and I have been using my Powerbook (Mac). It would be more convienent for me to be able to program from Mac, but I could do it on a PC if needed. End user platforms will all be PC / Windows based.
I don't really have any programming experience, other than BASIC from about 20 years ago. There are plenty of resourses on the Web and at the library to learn programming, but I just have to pick the language.
Thanks for your input.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 471
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From: Michigan
I once used a spreadsheet but made it available through company intranet in HTML. You could view, but unless you knew how to edit HTML (so easy, yet so hard for the inexperienced) you couldn't change things. Might not work for your application... if it doesn't, Visual Basic is the next best thing.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 6,461
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From: Abilene Kansas
if u can do c++ then you can make a simple java or even a small program with no problem, then you can use strings and if and statements if needed
Matt
Matt
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Goldsboro, NC
If you're looking forward to learning a new language, by all means go for it. VB is not a bad choice, but I think you will have to purchase or get at least get your hands on the development kit. Just so you know though, Visual Basic isn't anything like the Basic you learned 20 years. The world "Basic" is about all they have in common. Not saying it's hard. It's just different. Java, C++, any other object oriented/object based language is going to be different. Programming in an event-driven GUI environment is different too. Writing GUI application is very differnt than writing an interactive program in Basic, Fortran or Cobol. Have fun though.
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Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Ohio
Hubby is a software developer for a living and he really likes Visual Basic. He programs in other languages as well, but seems to find VB very versatile for most users needs.
When we were in Seattle for 5 months several years ago he spent the entire time writing software for his "then" employers. He spent about 1000 hours writing code for their field engineers to be able to update their bio-med systems online, instead of having to download software from numerous CD's.
His reward for his time - a $100 gift check and a plaque.
He values the plaque the most of the two!
I guess that I would "third" VB for your particular needs. Plus, it is a language that you can learn (or refresh) yourself without boggling your brain!
Good luck and make sure the higher-ups are aware of your extra efforts.
aerostargal
When we were in Seattle for 5 months several years ago he spent the entire time writing software for his "then" employers. He spent about 1000 hours writing code for their field engineers to be able to update their bio-med systems online, instead of having to download software from numerous CD's.
His reward for his time - a $100 gift check and a plaque.
He values the plaque the most of the two!I guess that I would "third" VB for your particular needs. Plus, it is a language that you can learn (or refresh) yourself without boggling your brain!
Good luck and make sure the higher-ups are aware of your extra efforts.
aerostargal
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 471
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From: Goldsboro, NC
Originally Posted by MRKnight
I spent almost a year developing an inventory application (web based) in VB .NET that used SQL as teh backend. I saved my then mid sized employer almost 1.2 million. What did I get? Nada.
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More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 688
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From: Fairbanks, AK
I'll have to look back in my CD collection of programs, I think I have VB5. I never did play with it much, so now's a good time. I had totally forgot about VB.
We work in the field in remote locations worldwide, so a HTML version on the network wouldn't work. Not all locations have intranet access or VPN priviledges. I have macro which can crack Excel password protection, so that's not an option either. Too many formulas which could get deleted or corrupted, which could result in utilizing the wrong parameter
In my line of work, to get my next promotion, I have to provide a technical document descibing how one of our tools work or a tool to make the job easier. The promotion is worth about $18,000 / year additional pay My employer would even purchase any programs I may need if I can show that my project requires it.
We work in the field in remote locations worldwide, so a HTML version on the network wouldn't work. Not all locations have intranet access or VPN priviledges. I have macro which can crack Excel password protection, so that's not an option either. Too many formulas which could get deleted or corrupted, which could result in utilizing the wrong parameter
In my line of work, to get my next promotion, I have to provide a technical document descibing how one of our tools work or a tool to make the job easier. The promotion is worth about $18,000 / year additional pay
My employer would even purchase any programs I may need if I can show that my project requires it.