If you could pick your favorite/ideal language from any out there today, what would it be? (please don't factor in employer requirements or the like - I want your personal fav) I ask because I am starting to develop an accounting program with my dad, who's a CPA. I've taken the C/C++ courses in college, and thus understand basic programming principles, but never really delved into C++. So, since I would have to pretty much start from scratch when it comes down to coding time, I figure I might as well pick the RIGHT language, not just for this job, but for future jobs as well. Any input you could offer would be greatly appreciated. Thanks much for the help. Wes

The question isn't easily answered...Each language is ideal given a certain application. I love PHP and Perl, but I wouldn't write an operating system with them. Assembly is dang fast, but I wouldn't write a web server with it. So on and so forth. I think what you mean is "Which is the ideal language for a windows-based accounting program?" You'll hear arguments for the typical, high level languages with windows GUI capability. Visual Basic, Java, C++ (in ascending order of difficulty). Most (all?) accounting programs I'm familiar with are written in C or C++. VB would be the easiest to create the GUI in, and wouldn't be a bad choice. Java would work on PC, Mac, Linux, etc, and is kind of "in between" VB and C++ as far as difficulty goes. One of these times I'm going to be mean and tell somebody they should do it in lisp or prolog.:-) Good luck, -SN

G'day, Yes, I echo the sentiments of SN. I think what you should really be focussing on is; what is the best language for Accounting packages. Ask the question or find out how these packages have been written in the past. Asking people what their favourite language is will not necessarilly move you in the right direction. As SN suggested, you might end up trying it in Lisp or Prolog- just because someone thinks they are the best programming languages.. However, my input would be Excell with a VBA /VB6 front end. regards, Elric

Thanks for the input guys!!! I guess I might have been a bit out of line in my initial question, but am thankful for the input you've offered. My question should have been 'What do you think is the most versatile language out there?' In other words, if you had to pick ONE language to develop in for the next three or four years, which would it be??? What language provides the best all-around balance of benefits with the fewest drawbacks. Does that give you a better idea of what I was originally trying (miserably) to say??? Anyways, thanks again for the input and please feel free to comment on anything/everything I've tried to convey. Many thanks from a very admitted newb. W

I would discourage you writing this complex a program as your first, because this is financial data and bugs can cause unnoticed errors. Just a recommendation. For an accounting package, I would first look at sourceforge.net and see if there is not one to borrow. If you are not satisfied, look on Google. Then, look into Java for this task. You could also consider mixing Python and C++. To the broad question. A programming language is designed to express procedure. A favorite language probably comes from one of two characteristics which overlap: 1) The flexibility with design and personal habit the language affords. 2) The featureset, compilers, and syntactic sugar availible to that language. The first item allows the programmer to interface with the language. A programmer has certain ways they think, certain bad/good habits, and ideas which may or may not translate well into code (i.e. procedure). The second item is a little more practical. The programmer needs tools for the language and from the language with which to write effective procedure as painlessly as possible. I have stolen these concepts from someone else - I don't remember whom, but consider them the author. There is one language to learn, and that is math. The computer equivalent to that is an algorithm. Learn how to write algorithms and you are empowered with all linear quantified procedure. Again, look on sourceforge.net.

C++ is my workhouse for most projects. I use PHP for web based applications. I use VB.NET or C# when I want a quick GUI, usually as a face for my C++ programs. In my opinion, writing your accounting program in C++ is a good idea. Just make sure before it goes into production, that you are conducting appropiate validity checks and error handling. As SN points out, there is really not a best language to do one particular thing. Where some languages succeed, others fail and vice versa. Do it in LISP? Come on SN... lol. My prof in college years ago wanted us to write a spreadsheet program in Assembly, I took a zero and focused on the other assignments in the plethora of code I had to write. I'd hate to write an accounting program in LISP, although it is possible and could be fairly entertaining. If I had to "pick one language to code in for the next 4 years"... it would be C/C++/C#. You can write this program in C++ and not have a single regret, besides portability. If that is a factor, write standardized code or use Java. IR

thanks again guys! i think i'll be heading down the VB/C++/Java road at this point. i've been doing a ton of web development over the past two years, mainly in PHP/MySQL, and feel very comfortable with both languages. My only hesistation to using C++ was the portability, but after more research and your input, I think that's they way i'll end up going. Again, many thanks!!! W