I was just wondering what programming language should i use? I am writing a database program to store different towing companies from different states. The database will allow you to enter new tow companies and search for companies in a particular state. I want this program to be a windows application but have never really had any experience doing this (such as visual c++). ive always just made text based programs in unix with c++ and java. i have a bunch of programming experience and should be able to learn another language without too many problems.

what is the best language i should use for making this database into a windows application and how would you approach this program?

Thanks for all the help in advance :-)

Go with C++. If you're gonna program for Windows, you can do some programming in Visual C++ by creating a Win32 Application (not Console Application) and programming with the Windows API.

Here is a good Windows API tutorial site that you can use to get yourself started.

- Rolos

P.S. If you want to create a nice GUI application fast and easy, try using Visual Basic.

- Rolos

ill check that out...thanks. also, is there anyway i can compile these visual c++ files without having visual basic installed? im trying to do this programming at work and dont have the software i need to program here.

also, ill take other suggestions :-)

There is no need to have Visual Basic installed to compile your program. All you need is a C++ compiler (such as Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0 or Borland) and you're okay.

Going the C++ route might be a bit more trivial if you're going to make an application. Using Visual Basic 6.0 might be a little easier.

- Rolos

Yeah but C++ is more fun. Here's a free C++ compiler http://www.bloodshed.net

-Micah

Well, not to undermine your good efforts, but I may have the solution for you already. I wrote a universal database application. It can store any number of companies (records) you need, and any amount of information fields for each company that you require. There is global search, duplicate entry identification, normal and reverse sorting by any data field, Excel-type automatic format printing for output, etc... You can download it for free from the following site if you want to check it out. http://chadbh74.tripod.com/unibase.htm