How do I choose a language to write an application?

[DarrylLicke]

I got an idea for an application to write but I can't decide what language to write it in. I know Java and I feel I can pick up any language beyond that too. I plan for it to be a standalone app but it will have some internet connectivity, though limited, at some point. I'm sure I could go into more detail as to what I plan on writing but I'd rather keep it close to the vest.

User interface wise it will be similar to say WinZip, Calculator within Windows, or any other windows application.

As for languages like I said I considered Java but I stumbled on XUL tonight and its peaked my interest. The problem is I'm not sure if its possible to build an extensive application using it.

Any suggestions?

 

[kamper]

Much as I like java, it really only belongs on the server at this point. XUL would certainly be fun, but I think it's mostly for interface building and not for app building (I could be wrong, that's just the impression I've got).

If you're just looking at a desktop app, Delphi's a kickass language. Once you get over the syntactic differences it's not a whole lot different from java. However, I don't know if there are any free tools out there for it. It's kindof an all in one deal from Borland. Since they went .NET, though, you could probably find a slightly older version pretty cheap.

Now that I've mentioned .NET I realize that lots of peeps are probably going to come along and recomend something in that line to you

 

[DarrylLicke]

Originally posted by: kamper
Much as I like java, it really only belongs on the server at this point. XUL would certainly be fun, but I think it's mostly for interface building and not for app building (I could be wrong, that's just the impression I've got).

Really? Even with the Swing Interface? Interesting. The reason I picked XUL is because of the ease of use to create a User Interface, well thats what the website said. Komodo was built using XUL but has a python or perl backend I think and I don't know if I'd want to build an cross-platform (thats the other reason for the choice of XUL) application using this.

Originally posted by: kamper
If you're just looking at a desktop app, Delphi's a kickass language. Once you get over the syntactic differences it's not a whole lot different from java. However, I don't know if there are any free tools out there for it. It's kindof an all in one deal from Borland. Since they went .NET, though, you could probably find a slightly older version pretty cheap.

I've heard quite a bit about Delphi especially the ease of which you can create windows apps but that won't provide much cross platform creation. Hmm...maybe do windows first then port it.

Originally posted by: kamper
Now that I've mentioned .NET I realize that lots of peeps are probably going to come along and recomend something in that line to you

I don't have winXP yet (yes I'm behind but dropping $100 for an update to an OS is not only silly to me but budget breaking. One day though) so I have to make do with what I can code in my Win98 environment and is reasonably cost-effective i.e. free.

 

[znaps]

Depending on how much of the OS you need to interface directly with, Java should be fine. It supports internet connectivity very well also.

Anyone who thinks Java belongs only on the server should take a look again. You can also use XUL along with Java, see http://luxor-xul.sourceforge.net/ for example.

 

[kamper]

My statement about java on the server was based upon limited swing experience and a couple semesters with Delphi. As far as ease of use and quality of end product, Delphi (and probably most similar drag-and-drop environments) blow java out of the water. I've definitely used nice java guis, eclipse being a great example, but something like the Delphi ide is far sturdier and pretty close on functionality. I guess as a result of these experiences I just don't see a whole lot of point to using java for desktop apps. But if people want to put in the effort and they make good tools then I'm all for it.

Java and XUL sounds quite interesting and I'd like to see how JBuilder does guis, given what I think of Delphi.

As for Delphi and cross platform, Borland also maintains Kylix which is an equivalent linux version. It's not the same because Delphi definitely gives you access to lots of libraries that will chain you to Windows and I'd bet the same is true on the other side but afaik it is possible to make an app that's completely source-portable if you pay attention. Again, I don't know if they'd charge you for Kylix.