8 replies to this topic

[zakary]

Hey there. I need an advice. I have a windows-based application which works this way.
People at client machines entering data, then all data sends to the server (real-time). Based on algorithm server creates response to the clients with data(numbers and text, sometimes graphics), then clients respond, and so on.

All machines are connected(LAN). All machines are running win XP/7.
This application is probably gonna be used in one room. Just want people to connect their devices to the network wirelessly.
Program is written in VB.

What I wanna do is: Make this program cross-platform and be accessed through wireless.
I wanna support OS X, Android, Windows. Other platforms would be great to use also.

I was thinking of three different solutions.
1. Create different versions for each platform (can be expensive and hard to do)
2. Create web-based application (Can be slow. Or not? if using in the same room with a server?)
3. Use virtualization (Don't know much about it, just thinking whether it could work, like a clound where all devices are connected to the cloud)

I just don't know which is the best and possible way of doing it. Need your advice a lot!

[Alexander]

You may be able to run your project under the Mono library (x-platform .NET toolset+compiler):
VisualBasic.NET support - Mono

[zakary]

Thank you for your response!

so, I need to convert vb to vb.net, then use mono? converting vb to vb.net can be painful, i guess.
What I am concerned about is lack of documentation and community support(or i am wrong?)
Also, are there a lot of project been done with mono? is it tested? cannot find credible info on the web.
Does it need a lot of time to study?
Thanks a loot!

[Alexander]

Mono is well tested (and used in GNOME, and many high up OSS projects), but unfortunately plain VB is an older language (~1998) that is generally only kept to Microsoft platforms. Visual Studio includes a VB->VB.NET converter which is your best bet.

That is all I can add, other than rewriting the application to a newer (and more portable language), I would really go the C#/.NET route as mono has many platform supports for iPods, Androids, Unixes (IRIX, HP-UX, etc..)

[zakary]

Thanks a lot!:thumbup:

The only thing that scares me is that Im unfamiliar with it. If other options is not available Im going to use your suggestion.

What you can tell about web-based applications? What are drawbacks?

Thank you!

[Alexander]

Many web languages would perform just as fast (or faster) than your VB application, and would be a lot easier to develop for. As each of your platforms you listed have web browsers, each one can connect platform-independently to your web app.

Maybe you should consider rewriting the application in PHP?

[zakary]

Thanks for answer. I got an idea of what we are talking about. (it seems!)
If I would have anymore questions I would definitely use this forum.

Thanks one more time Nullw0rm! really appreciate it.

[WingedPanther]

You can also use cross-platform languages/toolkits such as Lazarus, C++ and QT, C++ and wxWidgets, etc.

[DarkLordofthePenguins]

Write it in a cross-platform language like C or C++ (not Visual C++).