Help / Advice Needed - Barcode scanning

[icecauldron]

hi, i'm new to programming. i need some help with the integration of a barcode system for sunday school children. The system is used to keep track of their attendance, database and point system. what kind of software can i use to build this system? thanks.

am i posting this in the right thread?

[Jordan]

What type of device are you going to be building on (I'm guessing something like an LXE scanner)? I recently built a program I could probably send to you for Windows CE 5.0 which scanned codes.

Just out of curiosity, what are you scanning? These kids have barcodes?

[icecauldron]

Hi Jordan, we will be printing the barcodes (fonts) and attach it to the kids. Was thinking of using Visual Basic, but I'm unsure if it will work. Does VB allows its own database storage?

wow LXE scanner looks pretty complicated. I guess we will just use a simple barcode scanner, those you see at retail outlets, megamarts to do inventory control.

Sure, a program will be most helpful. what did you use to write the program?

[hoser2001]

Originally Posted by icecauldron

Hi Jordan, we will be printing the barcodes (fonts) and attach it to the kids.

Someone please explain how this isn't just....wrong.

[Jordan]

Visual Basic would work along with C# or C++ or just about any languages. With Visual Basic you will be able to do it much faster. Yes, you can access just about any type of database from Visual Basic. The one that MS will recommend will be MSsql or Access. You might want to consider Access if there isn't many kids - or even a spreadsheet.

@hoser2001: lol....

[pedrogk]

Originally Posted by hoser2001

Someone please explain how this isn't just....wrong.

It is wrong that they print the barcode and then attach it to the kids, it is a waste. They should print the barcode directly to the kids, right?

[icecauldron]

shrugz?? whats wrong?? using visual basic or attaching the barcode to the kids? probably in the form of name tags to hang around their neck.

[pedrogk]

We are just kidding. It is just that the phrase "attach (the barcode) to the kids" sounds as if you were going to engrave or staple the barcode to their body.

Obviously, we know that you will print a badge or something that they will carry around, we are just being silly.

Anyway, don't worry about the programming language for this, it can be done with most. Just use whichever it is that you have people/tools available or cheap. I agree that VB should be a good option.

[Jordan]

Originally Posted by icecauldron

shrugz?? whats wrong?? using visual basic or attaching the barcode to the kids? probably in the form of name tags to hang around their neck.

Nothing wrong with this and this is what I thought you meant but I can see how the way you stated it sounded funny.

Anyway, I don't think my program will help you any since it is for Windows CE 5.0 but if you need any help just let us know.