How-to Develop Aquaapp

I'm so impressed by the wonderful apps that are being devloped here, that I'd like to start myself programming things like that.

What languages are commonly used? I've got no clue of windows programming, so I'd be very thankful if someone could post a link to a good tutorial or some info on what software is needed to develop something like YzDock or Rainlendar. I want to learn but I don't know what!!

Thank you very much, by now I just got a VB book, but if it's not what I need I'll switch at the moment. I presume it'd be more C++, and would appreciate a good "stupids guide" to start windows programming on C++,

#62376

C++ is a hard language to learn. Try VB.net or VB 6

#62388

I already am a programmer in PHP, Java and C, but if you tell me not to lose time with C++ (which I will have to learn sooner or later) I'll jump directly to VB.Net.

Where can I find the software and documentation I need to start developing in VB.Net? Do you know any good tutorials?

#62398

i say VB is mostaly a usless language if your realy want to get soemthing done. C++ isnt realy that hard, anbd if your werious about programing you have to learn it. I personaly never used C but i understand that there very similar. Mabie pick up C sharp.

#62400

If you already know straight C, jumping to C++ shouldn't be too difficult. Ya it's different, but you have the jist of it, and the structure.

Go with C++, VB(6/.NET) isn't worth your time. Ya it can do almost anything C++ can, but you'll have to load 30 external .dll's to get the job done, and your resource usage will be off the charts.

#62401

I don't suggest VB. Most programmers say that its syntax is all messed up.

I started on C#, and it was OK for a beginner, the syntax is very much like all the C's (and JAVA), so if your goal is C++, that would be a nice stepping stone.

Right now though, im learning Python and I absolutley love it. The language is wonderful. It really does not require all the 'pointless work', like initializing variables. Its also nice because basically everything is an object, like lists, dictionaries, etc.

Its also crossplatform, and runs great on Windows, linux, and OSX. Also, a great thing is that is uses Whitespace, so your code always looks nice.

So I would recommend python, or C#. I've had good experiences with both.

Disclaimer: Im still a beginner as well.

Also, when you program, don't learn "MS Visual C++/C#" or anything like that. You really don't want to be tied to Windows. Just get a book on "Beginning C++" or something that doesnt require an IDE.

#62404

So I find myself downloading python, VB.NET, getting VS 6... whoa! I think It's gonna be a loooooong evening today 'till I get my first "Hello World" program.

I assume there are not any "dumb and dumber guide to get a windows application to work" over the Internet that you know, right? For I don't really fancy having to borrow and study five or six brickbooks to get a window. I hope it's not hard, and I can start developing in a few hours.

Thanx for the help, I'll wait patiently for a tutorial to appear, don't matter if it's VB or C++, python...

Another question is... knowing that it usually takes me four or five hours to get a PHP, C or ENS68K programto work... how long would it take to make something like Rainlendar? Two weeks or six months?

Thanx again 4 your patience and help.

Gedto.

#62413

First, don't talk about apps you've pirated. Doing it again will result in a suspension.

Try starting with Python. The python website has links to lots of beginners tutorials. They are very nice.

http://python.org/topics/learn/non-prog.html

And don't expect to create full apps in a few days. It takes a while to learn, though you can probably start creating useful Python scripts in a couple days, at least I was able to.

#62417

Try C#.net. it has support for animations like the dock and transparrent forms

For code and projects go to http://windowsforms.net/

Although I don't use C#.net I hear it is good

BTW I use VB6/.net

#62444

Originally posted by contrasutra@Oct 6 2003, 04:02 PM

First, don't talk about apps you've pirated. Doing it again will result in a suspension.

Try starting with Python. The python website has links to lots of beginners tutorials. They are very nice.

http://python.org/topics/learn/non-prog.html

And don't expect to create full apps in a few days. It takes a while to learn, though you can probably start creating useful Python scripts in a couple days, at least I was able to.

What software am I supposed to have pirated? I'm sorry to dissapoint you, but no piracy here: VB.NET actually I haven't downloaded, I misunderstood the link, and got the resource kit instead, too good to be true. VS6 I got from my father, fully licensed, no prob, and Python is free, so no legal problems here.

Thanx for the support, guys. I'll try VS and Pyhton. C# I don't know yet if it's included in VS, but I don't think so.

#62478

hmmm...I didn't believe that VisualBasic is a free download. I may be wrong, can you point me to an exact link?

And I misunderstood your post, it seemed as if you were "downloading Visual Studio".

And VS2002+ includes C#.

1. Disappointed?

2. Your father just GAVE you Visual Studio? He must be rich, thats pretty expensive. Especially having to buy 2 copies, one for himself, and one for you.

#62482

I have started learning C# a little while back and have had good results with the Borland C# Builder IDE. It's a large but free download for personal use. Also, tutorials for visual C#.Net can be use with the Borland builder too.

It's the only language (apart from HTML) I've ever used and I've picked up the very basics quickly. You can make a "Click the button" --> "You clicked the button" thing within half an hour without any experience. I did.

I've only made an rtf editing app so far and I'm now going to get it runnin how I want the aqua-ize it.

Tutorial link (C#): C-Sharp Corner A useful site although it won't load for me ATM.

#62502

Originally posted by contrasutra@Oct 6 2003, 06:41 PM

hmmm...I didn't believe that VisualBasic is a free download. I may be wrong, can you point me to an exact link?

And I misunderstood your post, it seemed as if you were "downloading Visual Studio".

And VS2002+ includes C#.

1. Disappointed?

2. Your father just GAVE you Visual Studio? He must be rich, thats pretty expensive. Especially having to buy 2 copies, one for himself, and one for you.

It was me who didn't make himself clear:

I visited Microsoft's site, and saw a link to what I thought was VB.NET (it turned out to be just a resource kit), so I thought I was downloading it.

My father had bought it and I didn't even know he used it, but the result is I've got the suite! And BTW it's not 2002+ version, so I don't have C#.

Ludge, thanx for the tip.

#62547

I realize it might not be the *ideal* working environment, but you don't need visual studio.net to develop .net apps, with the framework sdk (which is free) you can start developing apps (web based, winforms, console, etc.) although it will take more legwork on your part. Download the SDK and take a look at the quickstarts or search for them on the web to preview them.

#62549

Just had discovered that, thanx anyway 4 the tip!

Is C# really useful for graphic software? I'm getting the idea it's more oriented towards web and Java-style environments...

#62553

Well, For building fast apps, I dont know if C# is the right language. C# runs in a Virtual Machine, like JAVA. Its not a compiled language like C/++. Therefore, its slower, but cross platform.

When MONO is complete, you will be able to create GUI applications that can run on many platforms,without even having to recompile. Few languages can do this. PYTHON can, JAVA can, and C# will soon (within 2 years) be able to.

C# is new, so there aren't many toolkits for it yet. So the chances of finding an aqua-style one are slim.

PYTHON has a nice Toolkit called wxPython though. Its crossplatform, but looks like whatever platform its running on. (ie. it will look like your Visual Style in Windows, and GTK2 in UNIX). There is also a C/++ version called "wxWindows".

#62594

I got yesterday night wxWindows, and am going to get wxPython also. I've seen their web and it's got a whole lotta tutorials, kinda useful to me.

Should then I improve my skills on C and learn C++, and at the same time learn Pyhton to develop GUI apps? My question is that I am starting to overview these langagues, but haven't seen yet even on books like Stroutstroup's info on graphic windows programming - or any guide on how to get something like these apps that are being published here.

Aren't any Open-Source? I'd really appreciate anyone sending me the source of any of these apps, or posting a download link if it's too big to email it, just to start looking at real useful code.

Thanx again, buddies.

#62672

Hi All!

I just wanted to stick in my .02 worth on this whole programming language issue.

I have been developing, professionally, for about 15 years now. I've used a variety of languages from 'spaghetti' Basic to Java. (Including that abomination called Pascal) There is nothing wrong with ANY of them (except for the aforementioned Pascal) Each has it's own strengths and weaknesses. There is nothing wrong with Visual Basic. It shares very little with the Basic that was on your old Atari computer. VB is most definitely a 'serious' development tool. I believe the first 'Aqua' apps on this site were done with VB. Likewise, C++ is a fine choice as well. The big difference between the two (other than syntax) is the object model. Don't be afraid to dive into C++. Like someone else said, if you know C, C++ is not difficult to pick up. However, it will take more time to understand. I've not used C#, but I can't imagine it is any more difficult. And even though I personally cannot stand Pascal, it is pretty easy to learn. Delphi, which is Pascal based, has a free personal version which you might try as well.

Heck, once you learn one language and have a good understanding of programming in general, you should have little difficulty learning any other language...including Java and C#.

Have fun. Programming can be challenging and lots of fun.

#66486