14 replies to this topic

[idontknow87]

Hi,

I'm trying to learn how to create desktop software applications. Yes, I'm a total programming newbie :confused:

I'm trying to figure out how to design application windows, application menus, how to build window menus and so on. Yes, I know, I have a long hard road ahead of me :mad:

I've started to learn some of the basic syntax, the code, etc (mainly php). I'm looking for a programming language that is not too difficult to learn, but that I will not be limited in.

In other words, once I learn the language, I want to be able to do everything I think up with it. Sure I might need to learn complimentary languages, like MySQL, XML, etc... :eek:

My questions are:

1) Knowing what you know now, which progamming language would you choose to learn if you were me in my prediciment and if you were wanting to eventually create complex desktop apps as quickly and easily as possible without limits?

2) For that programming language, which software can I use to add graphical interface controls to application windows, when attempting to create a software application?

3) And after that software, do I need an additional software program to create an '.exe' file or to create an installation file? If so, which software can I use for that?

Thanks so much for the help,

idontknow87 :D

[v0id]

1) Choose Visual Basic or Visual Basic.net if you want to create desktop applications in a very fast, and easy way.

2) You can download Visual Studio, to program in Visual Basic. You can get it from Microsoft's homepage. Just google "visual basic" and one of the first links will be to Microsoft's Visual Basic page.

3) Visual Studio will do the job for you. Visual Studio doesn't create the executable file itself, but it helps you, because it's starting other small programs that does it for you (compilers, linkers, etc.)

[idontknow87]

Hi v0id,

Thanks for the info.

Is Visual Basic a programming language like C++, C#, etc?

I am more concerned about the power of the language than I am concerned about how hard it is to learn... to an extent, a 5 year learning curve is not in my plans... :(

And I prefer not to have to learn one language, then upgrade to another one that does the same things, but more of them, then to have to learn another language that does the same as the other two, but more, or better...

Does Visual Basic have it's limitations, is it like putting training wheels on a bicycle? I don't want those on my bike :p

Maybe C++ or C# is for me? Or would you still go with Visual Basic?

If C++ or C# is my calling, what is a good software for that, that does not require I sell my car or anything?

Thanks again,

idontknow87

[v0id]

Yes, Visual Basic is a programming language like C, C++ and C#.

Visual Basic is not one of the strongest languages the world have seen, but it's fast and easy to develop in. If you want to learn a stronger language, which doesn't take multiple years to learn, you should consider C#. It's also fast to develop in, and it has greater features than Visual Basic. You can find tools for C# on Microsoft's homepage too.

The best language of those you mentioned would be, imo, C or C++. They're some of the strongest languages, but also more complex, and it would take more time to master them.

[idontknow87]

Hi v0id,

Thanks for the info. I spent all day and night yesterday trying to research which language to choose and I still could not get enough info to decide.

You've made it much easier for me to make a decision.

Thanks again,

idontknow87

[WingedPanther]

Delphi is another option that has the advantage of similar ease of use to VB, but more power/robustness. You can get a free version here.

[idontknow87]

Hi,

Thanks for the info. I am downloading the Delphi version now.

I'm getting kind of addicted to this programming stuff, so I might end up learning multiple languages after all. Nothing else worthwhile to do right? :D

Thanks again,

idontknow87

[CygnetGames]

One thing to remember when you're learning programming is that "learning to program" is not the same as "learning to program in language X". As you are learning, especially if you learn multiple languages, you will see that there are some core concepts that remain the same across all languages.

Ideas like variables, functions, logic, object orientation, abstraction, decomposition, iterators, generators, etc... are not products of any particular programming language, they are general themes that different programming languages provide at different levels.

Once you understand how to program, you should be able to pick up a new language in under a week. Every language has its quirks and its own way of doing things, but the core ideas behind every language are the same. Learn these core ideas and you can transfer what you have learned to any language you like.

[hoser2001]

In response to Cygnets post, I am curious to if anyone has any good resources for someone to learn more about "programming" . Possibly some good tutorials on using advanced datastructures or concepts.

[idontknow87]

Hi CygnetGames,

Thanks for your insights. They are incouraging and make alot of sense.

This forum is the best programming forum I have come across. The most helpful people with great attitutes are here.

I am progressing along well in learning C# now. I hit a couple spots that were somewhat heavy where I had to go real slow and reread things a few times. But the complex parts are slowly sinking in.

I started learning PHP before I started on C#, so I know what you mean... understanding the C# if statements, foreach statements, the while loop and so on came easily to me. After C# I need to go back and finish learning PHP.

Then it's on to XML, mySQL, maybe JavaScript, maybe SOAP. And inbetween that I need to use C# to hone my skills... I got a long road ahead of me. But it is becoming enjoyable.

Thanks again,

idontknow87

[CygnetGames]

hoser2001 said:

In response to Cygnets post, I am curious to if anyone has any good resources for someone to learn more about "programming" . Possibly some good tutorials on using advanced datastructures or concepts.

A good question - I really hope someone can answer it :o

I learned at university - doing a maths and computer science degree. The maths is an important part. I would advise anyone at school/college/uni to think about taking a maths course if they are interested in programming. The skills that it takes to formulate proofs in mathematics are exactly the same skills that it takes to write a program. That's not to say that people who haven't done maths can't program - just that it helps.

One of the lecturers at uni recommended Edsger Wybe Dijkstra as a good author of material about programming. He was one of the early pioneers of computer science, so he probably won't mention things that are popular at the moment, like as OO and Ajax, but he really knew what he was doing and he realised the need to structure and organise computer code when most people around him did not.

For what it's worth, the concepts that I think most important are abstraction and problem representation. These are the things I think about when programming: "What is the best way to represent this problem in a machine-readable way?" and "How can I structure my code with clear and useful levels of abstraction?". Understanding these two concepts seems to be a worthy thing to attempt.

Hope that's of some use.

idontknow87: All the best for your programming. You seem to have a clear plan, which is very good.

[WingedPanther]

Here are two resources:
Programming Logic and Design
Problem Solving and Programming Concepts