Is it true that writing a program that asks users questions (assume using common controls - radio buttons, check boxes, text input) and saves them to an Oracle v.8.x or 9.x database would be quicker to write in VB than in VC++? If so, by what factor would you estimate the timesavings, (i.e. 1.5x quicker)? Would there be any drawbacks using VB rather than VC++?

Yes. If something can be done in VB, it will be much easier (and quicker) to use VB. C++ is much more powerful than VB, and you can use it to tweak things to your needs. Saving things to a database seems like quite a common thing to do in VB, but I've never heard of doing it in C++ (though I'm sure it's possible). I've never used VB, so I can only comment on what I've heard, but I think something as straightforward as that should be easily done in VB.

I disagree with Tom. I use C++ to do lots of things that could be easily done in VB. I can program in either language, but I find that it's inherently easier to do things in Borland Builder (C++).

Saving data to a database is just as easy to do in C++ as in VB. It's almost trivial. I've never written a user interface with radio buttons and common controls in VC++, because back when I was using VC++ it was pretty difficult to do. I understand it's much easier nowadays with MFC and such. However, I got hooked by Borland Builder and I've never gone back. Common Controls are easier for me in Borland Builder than VB. So is interfacing with the database, although I've never done Oracle specifically.

If you don't know C very well, it will be faster in VB. If you know C as well or better than VB, I recommend you try Borland Builder.

my tip:
Do this in VB if it's easier for you.
But then promisse yourself to stop VB and
get into VC++, it's a language that really
has some power ;)

Your original question: how much quicker - depends on compilation speed and size of program. In VB compilation speed is non existent so the develop & test cycle is quite quick. However, with fast machines, this is also true of C++.

What it normally means is that you will start coding without thinking about the form design. This is OK for small systems but on systems where navigation is important, it is a problem.

This is one of the major problems in giving developers fast machines and quick turnround times. Sometimes they do not stop to think about their 'designs'. If the machines are slow and they have to wait, they might do some thinking or they might just moan.

If you sort out things on paper first and wish to see if the dynamics will work, VB is probably as fast as C++ in terms of development.