Want to Create a windows program

Richard Odell · 11-11-2008, 01:24 AM

Hi folks I have an idea for a Windows based desktop application that I wish to create; what software do you need for this and where can I obtain it?

I have looked at the Microsoft Windows SDK, but do not know what version to pick? Should I be perusing this, or is there another option?

Preferably want to do this open source.

Rich

stoica · 11-12-2008, 04:57 AM

please provide more details about the application you want to develop...

Uncle Dimitry · 11-12-2008, 05:08 AM

Use Borland Delphi

rwil02 · 11-12-2008, 06:27 PM

It depends on what you want the program to do, and what windows versions you want to target.

But these days I'd recommend .NET 2.0, what ever language the coder prefers.

Fast UI design, common code base, can do digtal signing, etc for Vista security.

electrobooks · 11-15-2008, 03:31 PM

Hi Richard,

If you want to make a windows app and you want the software that makes it to be free them check out the express versions of Visual basic, C# and C++. All are available at Visual Studio 2008 Express Editions

Hope that helps

Chris

Neil Morgan · 11-15-2008, 04:03 PM

My tool of choice for Windows-only application development is Codegear's (formerly Borland's) Delphi which creates stand-alone applications using standard Windows installers etc.

Delphi applications don't need .Net - just install and go.

On the other hand, applications that use .Net require the user to download and install the Microsoft .Net framework and that could be a step too far for some users. The .Net framework is installed automatically with Windows Vista but not XP.

Another platform to consider is the Adobe Air/Flex combo. With it you can create cross-platform desktop applications that will run on both Windows, Mac and soon Linux too.

Again, the user needs to download Adobe Air if they want to run any applications from this platform. However, it is a quick and easy process - they're trying to make this as ubiquitous as the Adobe Reader and Flash player which people, for the most part, are happy to install.

Cheers,

Neil

Thomas Belknap · 11-15-2008, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil Morgan

On the other hand, applications that use .Net require the user to download and install the Microsoft .Net framework and that could be a step too far for some users. The .Net framework is installed automatically with Windows Vista but not XP.

Not true, it depends on how you have your installation setup. I have mine to download the framework for them. No additional steps. If you stick with .net 2.0 then it isn't anything to worry about.

I am created a Software Builder that anyone can use to create software. It turned out so good I am using it to create software more and more. I am hoping I won't have to program again. hehe

Neil Morgan · 11-15-2008, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Not true, it depends on how you have your installation setup. I have mine to download the framework for them. No additional steps. If you stick with .net 2.0 then it isn't anything to worry about.

Cool!

Cheers,

Neil

Thomas Belknap · 11-15-2008, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil Morgan

Cool!

Cheers,

Neil

It is the only way to do it. I agree with you Neil, too many steps if you have them download it themselves. Took me awhile to figure it out.

Gaby10 · 11-19-2008, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard Odell

Hi folks I have an idea for a Windows based desktop application that I wish to create; what software do you need for this and where can I obtain it?

I have looked at the Microsoft Windows SDK, but do not know what version to pick? Should I be perusing this, or is there another option?

Preferably want to do this open source.

Rich

If budget is a problem, go for Qt by Trolltech -free for open source projects- (and with a few changes the program will also run in Linux!).

If budget is not a problem, you can buy Visual Studio 2008 and write in Visual C++. (There's a free version, called Visual Studio Express, but I wouldn't recommend it unless you're going to make a game).

I prefer to avoid .net framework for two reasons: 1- Usually the user needs to download and update the framework on his computer. 2- Native code is faster imo.

HTH,
Gaby

dspa72 · 11-25-2008, 07:57 AM

Definitely use Codegears' Delphi

doylesoft · 11-27-2008, 04:00 PM

I'm coming in a bit late, but I use VB6 (Visual Studio 6) and Inno Setup (free) for the Setup/Installer program.

You might be able to find Visual Studio 6 on ebay. Granted, it's 10 years old, but it will get the job done on Windows 95 all the way through Vista... and it's easy, and I like easy.

11-11-2008, 01:24 AM	#1
Richard Odell Has left the building... War Room Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 1,436 Thanks: 525 Thanked 216 Times in 172 Posts	Want to Create a windows program - which development kit? Hi folks I have an idea for a Windows based desktop application that I wish to create; what software do you need for this and where can I obtain it? I have looked at the Microsoft Windows SDK, but do not know what version to pick? Should I be perusing this, or is there another option? Preferably want to do this open source. Rich

11-12-2008, 04:57 AM	#2
stoica HyperActive Warrior Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Timisoara Posts: 191 Thanks: 33 Thanked 14 Times in 9 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: Want to Create a windows program - which development kit? please provide more details about the application you want to develop...
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11-12-2008, 05:08 AM	#3
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11-12-2008, 06:27 PM	#4
rwil02 HyperActive Warrior War Room Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Auckland, New Zealand. Posts: 241 Thanks: 0 Thanked 13 Times in 12 Posts Social Networking	Re: Want to Create a windows program - which development kit? It depends on what you want the program to do, and what windows versions you want to target. But these days I'd recommend .NET 2.0, what ever language the coder prefers. Fast UI design, common code base, can do digtal signing, etc for Vista security.
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11-15-2008, 03:31 PM	#5
electrobooks HyperActive Warrior Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Crawley South Coast, United Kingdom. Posts: 147 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: Want to Create a windows program - which development kit? Hi Richard, If you want to make a windows app and you want the software that makes it to be free them check out the express versions of Visual basic, C# and C++. All are available at Visual Studio 2008 Express Editions Hope that helps Chris
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11-15-2008, 04:03 PM	#6
Neil Morgan Senior Warrior Member War Room Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Lanarkshire UK Posts: 2,487 Thanks: 98 Thanked 314 Times in 223 Posts Social Networking	Re: Want to Create a windows program - which development kit? My tool of choice for Windows-only application development is Codegear's (formerly Borland's) Delphi which creates stand-alone applications using standard Windows installers etc. Delphi applications don't need .Net - just install and go. On the other hand, applications that use .Net require the user to download and install the Microsoft .Net framework and that could be a step too far for some users. The .Net framework is installed automatically with Windows Vista but not XP. Another platform to consider is the Adobe Air/Flex combo. With it you can create cross-platform desktop applications that will run on both Windows, Mac and soon Linux too. Again, the user needs to download Adobe Air if they want to run any applications from this platform. However, it is a quick and easy process - they're trying to make this as ubiquitous as the Adobe Reader and Flash player which people, for the most part, are happy to install. Cheers, Neil
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11-25-2008, 07:57 AM	#11
dspa72 Donato Spagnolo War Room Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Italy Posts: 307 Thanks: 55 Thanked 88 Times in 36 Posts Contact Info	Re: Want to Create a windows program - which development kit? Definitely use Codegears' Delphi
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11-27-2008, 04:00 PM	#12
doylesoft HyperActive Warrior Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: American Fork, Utah, U.S.A. Posts: 260 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 17 Thanked 28 Times in 20 Posts Social Networking	Re: Want to Create a windows program - which development kit? I'm coming in a bit late, but I use VB6 (Visual Studio 6) and Inno Setup (free) for the Setup/Installer program. You might be able to find Visual Studio 6 on ebay. Granted, it's 10 years old, but it will get the job done on Windows 95 all the way through Vista... and it's easy, and I like easy.
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