to any application writer

[thingimijig]

i know its of subject but then again there is quite a few writers visit this forum so basically i am looking to learn how to write little application but dont know where to start.
(which code or programs)
any pointers to where to start would be greatly appreciated.

thingimijig.

[Mishel]

You will have to give us a little more to go on...

What sort of things are you thinking of.

[thingimijig]

@mishel

for example, applications like dvd2dvdr where they automate things by using other programs in the process.

thingimijig.

[Mishel]

If you are just starting out then the simplest would be VB. Visual Basic is V easy to start using, is well suited to your type of application, is quick to produce GUI screens to drive the other command line apps and as it has now been upgraded to .NET you should be able to pick up older versions like VB5 or even VB6 for a reasonable cost.

C is another option but the syntax can be a bit of a bitch and it is so powerful that you can get into a LOT of trouble with it... it will just do what you tell it to do no matter what the consequences, where as VB will hold your hand and ask you if you really want to do something if the consequences could be a bit serious.

Bottom line go with VB. That way at least you will be able to come up with a working application... where as with C I doubt that you will even get your option screen to come up.

I have been programming for over 20 years with C++ and VB and some really obscure languages like COBOL and ALGOL (must admit that I have forgot all I ever knew with the last two) the fastest is Assembly Language. One of my friends started out by teaching himself Assembly when he was in his early teens 20+ years ago but now mostly codes in C++ or Pascal but when he needs a really fast routine reverts to assembly.

[unmei]

another "beginner friendly" language would be Delphi.

As i never touched VB i cannot really compare the ease uf use, but one thing i think is sure an advantage is that you will not have to include any external DLLs (read: make the user download them) and applications can be reasonably small.

Also Delphi comes with a excellent help system and a usable IDE (Integrated Development Environment, read: you can design the GUI by drag and drop).

And as of Delphi 6 there was a free version downloadable ("Personal Edition" which has all important functionality) - i don't know if Delphi still has a free version, but version 6 in no way means a "outdated" version.

Also i suspect Delphi produces faster code and has more power than VB, however not quite the level of C ;)

[thingimijig]

@ mishel and unmei.

thank you for spending the time replying to this.

i will take your advise and keep away from c++ until the time is right.
i shall have a read up on both vb and delphi to see which would be the most begginer friendly.

thanks.
thingimijig.