Microsoft recently released a platform known as the
.NET Framework. You can imagine it as a piece of land - you can then write the code to build the houses on it. Whenever you write .NET programs (using languages such as C++, C# and VB.NET), the program uses the .NET Framework to run. Therefore, if a user wants to run a .NET program, they need the .NET Framework installed on their computer.
Some people seem to think the .NET Framework is not such a good idea, as it is not cross-platform. However, there are advantages.
I know you have no experience in programming, but basically, in a division known as OOP (object orientated programming), everything you do is based on virtual objects. For example, there are objects that generate random numbers. There are objects that download data, or read text files, or display message boxes. The .NET Framework provides lots of templates for objects, known as
classes. This makes it very useful.
There is a class called System.Random, which you can use to generate random numbers, which you could use to write your program. You can use the .NET Framework's languages by downloading the software required at
Visual Studio 2008 Express Editions. It's quite complex, so you might need a book to start you off. However, once you get to grips with it, you can create some really amazing programs.
Xav
P.S. The .NET Framework also provides visual objects, for making your windows in (known as
forms). The object known as "DataGridView" is a grid of data that you can fill with data, either manually or from a database. It is called a
control - something you can see in the window of your program. Other examples of controls include buttons, textboxes and check boxes.
P.P.S. It is actually against the forum rules to post two posts back to back. if you want to add something, use the 'Edit' button.
