Creating Interactive Ebook / Presentation

[ime]

I need to create a very simple desktop software application, but I just can't find the right tool to get the job done...

Here's the idea:

1. Basically, I want to create an ebook (text/graphic presentation) that also allows the user to fill out various forms with their details.

2. The information entered should be saved on their computer so it's available the next time they run the software. And the info entered should be available to the software (as variables that can be used anywhere inside the presentation.)

Does anyone know the best/easiest way to do this? I've been looking for a long time, but I'm completely stuck:

- Creating the interface/presentation in html seems like a good idea (easy to design) - but then I don't know how to save the user data on their computer or reuse it inside the presentation.

- The other option would be to use a more complicated programming language, but that really feels like overkill as it "should" be very simple to do. However, I still haven't found a solution that makes it easy.

I just need an easy way to present info in a nice interface, letting the user enter text where needed. These user details should be saved for future use, and also be dynamically used inside the presentation text.

It sounds very simple - but finding an easy way to do it is surprisingly hard. Does anyone have any ideas for what tool to use?

Thanks guys!

Martin

[mbshinde78]

Hi,

Why don't you use a ready made Ebook creator software? Some tools gives you full control over what you wish to include and customize the way it would be presented.

What language you prefer to use? VB or Delphi?

if you want to do it on your own then you can create HTML, GIF and other files in a folder then add them to a resource file and include the resource in your exe. Then you can load the resources from the file on to drive temporary and use it with your presentation.

Let me know what language you wish to use.

[ime]

Thanks Manoj,

Yes, I really would prefer to use Ebook creator software, but after looking at all the options I could find, it seems that none of them allows you to easily save data from inside the finished application... (User fills out a few forms in the ebook, saves, and the next time they open it the info is loaded again.)

That's the problem. There are plenty of html compilers, but this feature seems to be missing. I've considered using JavaScript or something similar to write/read all variables to text files, but it's an awkward way to do it - especially if there's a better way.

I guess what I'm asking is if there's a developer tool that makes this task easy to do... I'm not good with VB or Delphi - I'm sure they can get the job done, but it just feels like there has to be some tool available that can already do this so you don't have to reinvent the wheel.

Basically, a simple template engine that works for offline webpages (ebooks) and can save/load all its variables to a config file would be perfect.

Do you know of some developer tool that can do this? Something I've missed?

Thanks again, I really appreciate any tips you can give me!

Martin