| Home | Links |
Start Developing Own Software
Learning how to program software seems like a daunting task fit only for the geeks and nerds who lock themselves away in dark rooms staring at their monitors for days on end as they pour over thick manuals written largely in zeros and ones. Fortunately the reality is that it's not as complicated to make basic applications as people may think. If it were, the majority of nerds wouldn't be doing it because the defining factor of our kind is an inherent laziness. Why do you think we like computers? The heaviest thing we have to lift is a monitor and that's done fairly irregularly and for a very short period of time.
There are many different opinions on how you should start programming. Some advocate the method of throwing yourself firmly into the deep end and if you don't drown then you're set for life. These people usually recommend getting stuck straight into C or C++. Others recommend a slightly easier starting point such as Java or C#, still quite involved but with a few more safety nets built in. Then there is the 'kiddy pool' school of thought that advocates such languages as Visual Basic. These languages are really easy to get started in. You drag a few elements onto a blank form and then write some code that reads largely like Standard English. All methods have their advantages, but I'm a fan of starting somewhere in the middle with Java. My reasons for this are that Java enforces a certain amount of design and forethought as well as correct programming procedures that are somewhat absent from Visual Basic.
I can't go into every single language in one article because it would take too long and the only experience I have with languages outside of the Microsoft stable is some familiarity with Java. Here are a few details about some languages.
Java Programming in Java is very similar to C/C++ development. It is object-oriented and well structured. There is wide usage of Java, and therefore there are a lot of libraries around that can be used in your Java program.
Pros: · Java is platform independent, it can be run on everything. · It's free, you can just download the SDK and go. · It's easy to learn if you know C or C++. · It provides automatic memory management. · There are a large library of pre-built classes and many more available from around the net. · It's quite safe. It's fairly hard (if not impossible) to damage your computer through programming in Java.
Cons: · Speed. Java is quite slow, because it is essentially compiled at run-time by the system's virtual machine. · It is difficult to compile into a stand-alone application. · Memory pointers are not allowed. · Some people dislike being forced into object oriented programming.
C C has been around for years and has a large following. Many different people around the globe use it. A few other programming languages have also been written in C.
Pros: · Large usage base. Easy to find help, other programmers, libraries etc. · Simple core language, with further functionality being added through the use of libraries. · Very powerful. If your computer can do it, it can do it through C. · Low-level unchecked access to computer memory using of pointers. · One of the fasted running languages. · C code can be used in C++ applications. · Programs are compiled and stand alone, no need for interpreters (sometimes external libraries will need to be installed on the target PC).
Cons: · Relatively difficult to learn. · Very little safety net. If you choose (accidentally or otherwise) to make a program that will access memory incorrectly and horribly break your system, it won't stop you. It only pulls you up on compile errors. · Non trivial programs could be hard to port. Programs have to be compiled for each specific platform. · Not strictly object oriented. · Code can get messy easily.
C++ C++ is a derivation of the C programming language. C code still works in C++ programs. It is an object-oriented language and very powerful.
Pros: · As close to a universal programming language, as you're likely to get at the moment. It's used everywhere. · Object oriented technology included, highly supported and recommended, but not forced upon you. · Programs are stand alone, no need for interpreters (sometimes external libraries will need to be installed on the target PC). · Easy to port to other platforms if standard C++ guidelines are adhered to. · Many libraries available for added functionality.
Cons: · Quite difficult to learn. You'll never really stop learning new things about it (which is also a pro, I guess). · Non-trivial programs aren't easily ported if they use platform-specific libraries (e.g. DirectX etc.). · Programs can be slightly larger and slower than those programmed in C.
Visual Basic Visual Basic is a very easy language to use. Its code is similar to Pseudo-code and many times the developer can simply type what they think should work and it does, which is cool.
Pros: · Very easy to learn · Quick to implement an application or algorithm · Lots of in-built functionality · Recently added complete OOP support with the .Net upgrade.
Cons: · Not as flexible as other languages, you can't do as much. · Runs slower than C/C++ · Purely a Microsoft product and Windows based.
Where you start is largely up to you and what you want to get out of your programming. If you want to make it a career you're going to want to be familiar with the more 'industrial' programming languages such as C and C++. There are still a lot of people out there experienced with these languages but you'll be in a more specialized field. You'd have trouble throwing a punch in a crowded room without starting a scuffle with someone who could get a program going in Visual Basic. Start with a language that is suited to your skill level and when you've learnt a bit of that you'll find it easier to move on to other languages. I've found personally and within my group of peers at university that now that we all have a certain amount of programming knowledge, it really doesn't take much effort to get stuck into another language and code a program there. Most of our assignments are done through improvisation as we learn the specifics of a language necessary to implement the assignment. You may not get a program as cohesive and well written as you would like compared with if you had a better idea of what you are actually doing, but it usually works.
Don't let me kid you into believing that you can develop software with the utmost ease. You'll be sitting there staring at just three lines of code for two hours wondering why it doesn't work before you realize that your capitalization is wrong. However, it is a very rewarding feeling when you do get to the end of a program and it all works beautifully (at least until the user base get their hands on it and break it). So if you're even somewhat interested get in there and have a go. The worst that can happen is that you'll rewrite your boot sector.
M6.Net Web Helpers http://www.m6.net
Daniel Punch is a writer working at M6.Net: 'The web-hosting company for humans.' M6.Net is working hard to help humanity experience the power and freedom to develop their own part of the Internet, to share their information and connect with anyone, anywhere, anytime.
Oakland police get free forensic software to analyze Occupy videos San Francisco Chronicle (blog) A Pasadena forensic video enhancement software company has donated its technology to Oakland police to help in capturing the goings-on at Occupy Oakland demonstrations, the company announced in a statement. At the request of Oakland law enforcement, ... |
Advent Software to Host Analyst and Investor Day Event on Friday, May 11, 2012 Reuters SAN FRANCISCO - February 6, 2012 - Advent Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADVS), will hold its Analyst and Investor Day in New York on Friday, May 11, 2012, beginning at 9:00 am (EST). The meeting will feature presentations by Advent's executive team covering ... Advent Software Achieves Record Quarterly Revenue of $86 Million and Record ... Advent Software's CEO Discusses Q4 2011 Results - Earnings Call Transcript Advent Software Q4 Profit Drops; Issues Q1, FY12 Revenue Outlook - Quick Facts |
Scorpion Software Announces AuthAnvil Single Sign On Support for Level ... San Francisco Chronicle (press release) Scorpion Software, an industry leader in strong authentication and password management solutions for IT Service Providers and IT departments is pleased to announce integrated support for AuthAnvil Password Solutions with Level Platforms, ... Scorpion Software Offers Support for Level Platforms Managed Workplace |
Law Offices of Howard G. Smith Announces Investigation of JDA Software Group, Inc. Business Wire (press release) (BUSINESS WIRE)--Law Offices of Howard G. Smith announces that it is investigating potential claims on behalf of purchasers of the securities of JDA Software Group, Inc. (“JDA” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ:JDAS) concerning possible violations of federal ... JDA SOFTWARE GROUP INC: Law Offices of Howard G. Smith Announces Investiga.. |
Caduceus Software Plans to Integrate a Cloud Platform with its Software ... SmallCap Network By Ed Liston Caduceus Software Systems Corp. (OTC: CSOC), a software company specializing in the development of an all-in-one solution for private practitioners and doctors, today, said that it plans to integrate a cloud platform with software systems. Caduceus Software Systems Corp. Plans to Integrate a Cloud Platform with its ... QualityStocks News - Caduceus Software Systems Provides Update on Current ... |
Proposal Software Continues Strong SaaS Revenue Growth in 2011 MarketWatch (press release) WESTPORT, Conn., Feb 06, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Proposal Software, Inc. (PSI), The Leader In Proposal Productivity(TM), and makers of PMAPS(R) WebPro (Proposal Management and Production System) announced 2011 results that continue its systemic growth ... |
Manhattan Software Announces Strategic Partnership With Indiabulls for ... MarketWatch (press release) 6, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Manhattan Software, the global leader in enterprise real estate software and a leader in the 2011 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Integrated Workplace Management Systems, announced today a strategic partnership with ... |
Mezeo Software Announces National Master Distributor for Japan MarketWatch (press release) HOUSTON, TX, Feb 06, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Mezeo Software(R), a leading provider of cloud storage management solutions, today announced the appointment of a master distributor for Japan, AIR Company Limited, a Japanese company focused on ... |
The Cloud Software Companies You Need to Know About Motley Fool But software as a service is easy enough to define. Whenever you have to access your application through a central location, and pay ongoing license fees to the developer, that's generally software as a service. Microsoft's Office suite is plain old ... |
Is BMC Software Growing or Slowing? DailyFinance By Seth Jayson, The Motley Fool Posted 4:11PM 02/06/12 Investing There's no foolproof way to know the future for BMC Software (NAS: BMC) or any other company. However, certain clues may help you see potential stumbles before they happen -- and before ... |
Related Articles
Rapid Application Development - Is it Really a Need of Today?
Rapid Application Development (RAD) is a software development methodology. In this competitive world, software product delivery time should be as little as it can be. The RAD is a way to this. As the name suggests, RAD technique allows RAPID application development, with development time, usually, 30 to 90 days.
5 Mac Security Tips You Can?t Live Without
So, you've bought a new Macintosh, and now you may be wondering how to make it safer. There are several things that you can do which will protect your Mac from viruses and hackers. Macs are already very difficult to hack, but don't let that fact allow you to become lenient with your security.
Microsoft Small Business Manager eCommerce ? Overview
Microsoft Business Solutions Small Business Manager is scaled down Great Plains Dexterity based version of Microsoft Great Plains or former Great Plains Dynamics/eEnterprise. Small Business Manager first release 7.0 and all the following version was available on MSDE (MS SQL Server 2000 with limited usage and database size ? 2GB maximum). It is nice situation on the market in eCommerce niche ? we see huge number of customers, who have purchased and implemented SBM for their small and mid-size businesses and then realized that customization options for Small Business Manager are very limited: in comparison to Great Plains SBM doesn't have VBA/Modifier, it has very restricted version of Integration Manager. These restrictions lead you, eCommerce developer to direct SQL programming. Again ? being scaled down version of Microsoft Great Plains ? Small Business Manager has a legacy of relatively complex tables structure. tom stored procedures way here:
Crystal Reports For Microsoft Navision - Overview For Programmer/IT Specialist
Let us give you - developer some hints in the report creation.
Popular Fleet Maintenance Programs
Some companies that are in need of fleet management may choose to utilize the services of a fleet maintenance program. These programs can generally handle all of you fleet management needs. Tracking vehicles, keeping up with maintenance, handling fuel budgeting and logging work are among a few examples of what fleet maintenance programs can offer your company.
Microsoft Great Plains Inventory Control ? Overview For Consultant
Microsoft Business Solutions Great Plains is marketed for mid-size companies as well as Navision (which has very good positions in Europe and emerging markets where it can be easily localized). Great Plains Inventory control is pretty robust and here we would like to give you highlights on standard functionality as well as what could be added to its standard features.
Design a Web Album Using Adobe Photoshop- Part 2
So let's begin crunching down these 300 images using Adobe Photoshop from start to finish. When I say 'crunching', to some 300 images may seem like allot, but it's not. I have done jobs for clients that have 100,000 plus images. When you have that many images to produce there are other programs I use that are designed for this. We'll cover that another day.
Linux for Home Users
Hey Guys! Don't raise your eyebrows or fear by hearing the word Linux. It is as user friendly as windows. Just take a look at the articles below and all myths about Linux in your mind will disappear.
The Dreaded Paper Label - Should it be Used?
While paper labeling CDs and DVDs may appear to be a cost effective solution for printing on your media, there are solid reasons why you should consider other options.
Put Some Pizazz in Your Software Arsenal
The software giants don't do everything and don't always produce the result that we want. At least if you're like me, and you're not where you would like to be (profitwise).
Spyware Protection: A Must for Any Home Computer
Now that spyware is the single most dangerous threat to home computers connected to the internet today, getting your hands on some sort of spyware and adware protection is critical. Spyware has outpaced computer viruses in its prevalence, and in the kind of damage it can do to your system.
Internet Security Threats: Who Can Read Your Email?
Before being able to choose a secure Internet communication system, you need to understand the threats to your security.
How to Choose the BEST Charting Software
I suggest that you do not spend a lot of money on charting software as most perform very similar functions. Often the price is inflated to capitalize on the mentality that expensive is better. A software package under $1000 will perform all of the tasks required by even the most advanced traders.
Microsoft Business Solutions VAR/Partner Selection ? Overview for IT Director/Manager/Controller
Microsoft Great Plains and Microsoft CRM become more and more popular, partly because of Microsoft muscles behind them. Now Great Plains is targeted to the whole spectrum of horizontal and vertical market clientele. Small companies use Small Business Manager (which is based on the same technology ? Great Plains Dexterity dictionary and runtime), Great Plains Standard on MSDE is for small to midsize clients, and then Great Plains serves the rest of the market up to big corporations. Microsoft CRM is extremely scalable and fits to all the market niches.
5 Easy File Management Tips in Microsoft Word
How many steps does it take you to locate and open your Word documents? Try these tricks to streamline how you find and open the files you use most often:
Microsoft Great Plains Food Processing ? Implementation & Customization Highlights
Microsoft Great Plains might be considered as ERP platform to build your own custom solution upon or as the assembly place for the existing modules. Microsoft Great Plains has Inventory Control (IV), Bill of Materials (BM), Manufacturing modules, coming from Microsoft Business Solutions directly, plus it has third party solutions, such as Horizon Light Manufacturing. In Food Processing industry, however the manufacturing itself is so-called process manufacturing, where with variable input you have variable output. It is opposite to discrete manufacturing, where you expect exact number of parts to be assembled into exact number of finished products. In our opinion ? you should first understand your options to automate business processes and if Manufacturing module is absolute must ? only then you should purchase manufacturing and implement it. Let's give you some highlights:
Protect Your Computer...and Your Business!
We all take the computer for granted. I mean, all we have to do is switch it on and it's ready to go. But did you ever stop to think what would happen if your computer suddenly crashed? And that is the only computer you have to work on!
Great Plains Sales Order Processing and Invoicing Modules ? Tips For Consultants
We'll give you non formal view, based on our consulting practice.
SyncUp ? A File/Folder Synchronizer For Windows
SyncUp, a file synchronizer is designed to assist the home and advanced users. The product has a simple and familiar windows explorer type interface for easy file handling. Further, the Scan Results provides a detailed preview of the files for synchronization.
What To Do When Windows Wont Boot
When Windows fails to boot it is normally caused by you installing a program or device and it has caused a conflict with one or more other programs.
Common misspellings for words used in this page include actualy adavanced adn ahev ahppen ahve allready alreayd alsot alwasy alwyas amke ammount amoung amung anbd anohter aplication apon applicaiton applicaitons aready aroud arround artical artice articel arund aslo assit availaible availble availiable availible avalable avaliable avilable awya baceause baout beacuse becasue beccause becouse becuase bedore befoer beggin beleiving beng buisness busineses busness bussiness carreer ceratin certian cmoputer comany comapany comming comminication communciation communiation comparision competative competive concider concidered conected consdider consdidered consdiered considerd consideres controll coputer coudl definining delevopment desgined dessigned detailled develope developement develpment devolopement diea diferent diferrent differnt diffrent divice doens doign donig eahc efford ened essentialy ethose everthing eveyr excact exerternal experiance experianced expierence extemely extrememly extremly eyars eyasr familliar fidn follwoing folowing fomr foudn freindly frome furuther futher generaly gogin goign gonig gropu haev halp hapen haviest housr howver hten htere htey htikn hting htink htis hvae hvea hwihc hwole idaeidae impliment implimented improvision infomation informtion inot iwll iwth jstu jsut knwo konw kwno laguage laguages larg leran levle libary liek littel liuke maintainance maintainence maintance maintenence majoroty managment manufaturing marjority mkae mkea moeny moreso mroe neccesary neccessary necesary nessecary nkow nkwo nmae nowe nto oging omre onyl oposite oppinion otehr owrk owudl palce pary peopel preiod preriod pretection proccess proces pwoer qtuie qutie raelly realitvely realy realyl reccomend reccommend recomend recquired relaly relativly relitavely requred resticted rewriet runing runnung rwite saftey safty scaleable severeal shoudl shoudln similiar simmilar simpley smae smoe soem sofware somene somwhere sould specfic specif spectum stpo strat tahn taht targetted tath technnology technolgy teh tehy tghe thast theese themselfs themslves ther theri thgat thge thier thign thigns thigsn thikn thiunk thn thna thne thnig thnigs threee thrid throught thru thsi thsoe thta thyat tiem tihkn tihs timne tiome tje tjhe tkae twpo tyhat tyhe uise univeral univeristy universtiy univesity unsed untill unviersity usally useage useing usualy ususally vell verison veyr virutal vrey vyer vyre waht wass watn weas wehn whant whcih whic whihc whith whlch whn whta wich wih wiht wille withing witht witn wiull wnat wohle wokr wokring woudl wriet writen wrok wroking ws wtih wupport yeasr yeras yersa youself ytou yuo.