What programming language to use??

[gibblin]

Hi there, sorry if this seems like a stupid question and one that can't really be answered (because there's pros and cons for all mainstream languages and everyone has their own preferences).

My experience is mainly with VB. I have VB 2005 express and wanted to create a small system for individual users (home pc, no networks). Now this executable file would only be about 3/4mb, however the end user would require the .NET framework which is an additional 23mb download.

Is there any way round this? If not, what is a viable alternative without the restriction?

I know i can use c++ without the .NET framework, but this would remove the drag & drop toolbar capability within Visual 2005.

There's always the option of getting VB6, but is this a backwards step?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Olaf Doschke]

This may help you:

http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb278077.aspx

In short, you can either point your users to manually install the needed .net framework or can create a setup that does the needed prerequisites installation.

You might make several setups and use your webpage to detect available .net framworks by evaluating the userAgent string.

http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms994415.aspx

It's not a big thing, most users may have it installed already. Even 30 MB is no big download anymore.

If you are concerned about traffic and costs find a distributor for your software.

Bye, Olaf.

 

[mrdenny]

One thing to remember is that most users will have .NET up through 2.0 installed already so for many users downloading .NET should not be an issue.

Denny
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000)
MCTS (SQL 2005 / Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0: Configuration / Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007: Configuration)
MCITP Database Administrator (SQL 2005) / Database Developer (SQL 2005)

--Anything is possible. All it takes is a little research. (Me)

http://www.mrdenny.com

 

[gibblin]

OK thanks to you both, on that advice i'll stick to the .NET application!

Thanks again.