Best Language for Database Development?

[bjl]

Hey everyone, I was hoping I could get some help as my church would like me to build a database of names, duties they are trained for, last time they've worked, etc. and then use a program to generate a monthly listing of people assigned to various jobs that then rotates each month.

My problem, however, is that the only language I know how to do this in (Common Lisp) was nixed by the network people who decided they wanted a compiled language since they believe an interpreted language would be to difficult to use for the non-technical staff that would be using the program. So, what I need is a language that is relatively easy to learn (I have about 6 - 8 months to design, code, and implement the project) and good for just this sort of problem.

Thanks, bjl

[Jordan]

Just about every language is capable of doing this. Since you are looking for an easy language to learn I would suggest C# or Visual Basic. The .NET libraries and Visual Studio make adding a database data source trivial and do most of the work for you.

[bjl]

Thanks, I think I'll look into C#. I should have included in the original post that a bonus would be if the database was easily accessed by a network, and am I correct in assuming that C# would allow me to do this relatively easily?

[Jordan]

Yes, you can add the database data source (under the "Data" file menu item in Visual Studio) as an external server/database or local file. You can then use a query builder (similar to Access) to even develop all of your queries (as well as joins and views). Once added you just drag it onto your C# Form and it will actually implement a toolbar and database view. Pressing the forward or back buttons on the toolbar (once the program is ran) will cause the next entry in the database to appear.

[WingedPanther]

Another option is to do this in Access, with a little VBA code and some forms. What you are talking about doing is probably going to remain a small enough project that you shouldn't need to worry about it growing out of control.

[Jordan]

Winged has a valid point. Access would probably be the quickest and easiest method to achieve what you are looking for.

[WingedPanther]

As a quick note, you could also use OpenOffice to do the same thing, if the cost of Access will be an issue.

[bjl]

If by Access you mean Microsoft Access than the cost shouldn't be a problem. I'll look into it. Thanks a bunch for the quick responses.