Which general application software should I use?

[flotulopex]

Hello,

As my little knowledge in PIC programing grows, I'd like to move on and find the general application software to create small applications I can use with my projects.

I've seen quite some people using Visual Basic, others Delphi and maybe some other ones too.

Until now, I was more used to make small database applications with Windev but I don't think this is the best programing tool for making i.e. USB communication (PIC<->PC) programs or so.

I'm 46, things don't stay in my head as ten years ago :o so I tend to go for something really easy.

My first idea was to go with Visual Studio so I went to my local library (big one!!!) and asked for starters books: nada! Strange, VB looks so popular... okay, there are many tutorials out there, but the very basics are difficult to find - at least for me.

I had a look in DELPHI but this is more far away from "basic" language than I thought (...)

What would you start with if you had to choose today?

[Jerson]

The easiest one to use with a moderate memory footprint is Visual basic 6. The .NET versions have more features and may appeal to the masses, but VB6 suits me just fine. Delphi is PASCAL and can be intimidating at first sight, but, it is superior in terms of its abilities (IMHO)

If I had to choose today, VB6 still will be my first choice followed by any of the scripting tools which make you wonder if even VB6 is even necessary. Here I talk about things like autoit3 and FBSL Free basic scripting language. Both work with windows and generate very tiny code that works just like a normal application.

Good luck with your quest

[rsocor01]

flotulopex,

I have spent a lot of time lately learning Visual Basic 6. At the beginning it is kind of hard getting used to some concepts that are used in VB6, but little by little you get used to it.


My first idea was to go with Visual Studio so I went to my local library (big one!!!) and asked for starters books: nada! Strange, VB looks so popular... okay, there are many tutorials out there, but the very basics are difficult to find - at least for me.

The next link is for a book that I used to learn VB6. It is a good resource and also it is cheap.

http://www.amazon.com/Visual-Basic-Complete-Steve-Brown/dp/0782124690/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1274896102&sr=8-1

Robert

[flotulopex]

flotulopex, I have spent a lot of time lately learning Visual Basic 6....

I don't have VB6 currently.

But looking from now, wouldn't it be better to start with Visual Studio or is VB6 still a better choice (maybe because of it's simplicity - I don't know)?

[Ioannis]

My opinion is if you have no experience with Visual Studio of any version, start with the latest 2010.

There is a free download link from Microsoft for the Express version.

If you do have VB5 or 6 experience it may seem a different environment at the beggining.

But we live in 2010 so going back is not very wise... After all most of the PCs are running Vista or 7 and VB6 can only be installed on XP machines. I did on a Vista but has a lot of problems.

Another idea is the Profilab by Abacom. It does not require any lanquage knowledge. It's like the Labview in a more simple and cheaper version.

http://www.abacom-online.de/uk/html/profilab.html

Also last but not least, we are all waiting for Darrel's IDE that will have bells and whistle's to do the job.

Hope it will not be long...

Ioannis

[flotulopex]

Thanks Ioannis.

I do think too looking forward is better.

I never heard about Profilab.

Do you have any experience with this one?

Would you know any pros and cons between VB vs. Profilab?

[Ioannis]

Profilab is a GUI environment and all you have to do is select some "black boxes", connect them together and make an executable project to give to the third party.

VB can do almost anything in exchange that you have to write code. And up to this moment I have not found how to create an installer with VB2800 or VB2010!

So, for simple things Profilab may be what you need.

Demo is free http://www.abacom-online.de/demos/profilab-expert40(demo).exe

Test it and see if it fits you.

Ioannis

[tenaja]

I would suggest VB.net 2008 or 10. It's miles ahead of VB6, and still simple to use. I recently installed it, and the tutorials get you building projects within moments. You don't have to use the new features, but at least they are available.

[flotulopex]

Thanks to All for your input.

I've downloaded Visual Studio Express 2010 and give it a go ;)

[Ioannis]

If you want keep us posted of the results.

Ioannis