Need dome help getting started.

[new 97ss]

Hey all,

I am considering delving into a project that would require me to have a fairly decent working knowledge of software programming. As I type this, I know nothing. I am looking for some comprehensive literature that is designed to build a base of knowledge. I am looking to stay within Microsoft Windows, and plan on generating completely new software.

My problem is that I don't know which language I should be studying, if someone could recommend a language and refer a text or some literature that would introduce me to that language, that would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Nick. :thumbsup:

[Mike_O]

Hey Nick,

Could you please provide the details of your project, as at this moment, it is impossible to determine what you would want to study.

Regards,
Mike

[new 97ss]

Well, what I am looking to do is create a Car Computer that will have the ability to seemlessly provide what your standard PC / Notebook can do now, plus some.

All the hardware and software is already out there, I am trying to develope software that would facilitate the use of a PDA / External Harddrive (Personal / Business laptop) / Pre-installed Computer while mobile.

The way I see it, all that is needed is a GUI for the screen installed in the vehicle and a master program that can convert speech to command, enabling the opening of programs, specific files, AM/FM/SAT, Navigation, etc...

As I said earlier, all can be done through Windows, I think. Hope this helps.

[Mike_O]

Nick,

Sounds like quite an entrepreneurial project, and I hope you make it.

Try looking into the .NET technologies. For the software that's already out there, I imagine some kind of a Windows Application which would utilize those softwares' libraries/API.

The same goes for speech recognition. Speech recognition is a common feature on cell phones, so judging from that I am positive that there are plenty of libraries out there which you would be able to use. In fact, it might even be a part of the .NET framework, but don't quote me on that one.

Lastly, I just want to mention (and I think many will agree, including yourself) that whatever language/platform you decide to use, it is not something you learn overnight. For starters, consider taking a class.

Mike

[new 97ss]

Thanks man, I appreciate the info. Unfortunately, alot of what you said fell on ignorant ears.

I definitely need to take a class or something. What programming languages can be used to author sorfware for windows? Is there one that is more user friendly (easier to understand) than another?

Lastly, (for now) can you elaborate on the uses of the more common languages?

What is Java primarily used for? C++? others?

Thanks Mike.

[Mike_O]

Nick,

There are many languages, including the ones you mentioned (Java/C++) with which Windows Applications can be built. I cannot tell you which one is more friendly than the other. Since I'm a big time C#.NET developer, therefore I would say it's that, but I know that this is a biased response on my part. Someone who works extensively with Java for example, would probably say Java. To compare the Java language with C#, their syntaxes are very similar. As far as C++, I'd say it's syntax is a bit less friendly.

All 3 of these languages are very widely used in the industry, and can all achieve similar things. So, you can't think of what a particular language is "primarily" used for - it all kind of overlaps.

As a starting point, I'd say you should begin researching about the Object Oriented Design(that's a must), followed by building Windows Applications in C#.NET. If you google these things, you will find many articles featuring step-by-step interactive examples.

Sorry if my response seems broad. I guess it's just one of these things you just have to go through one step at a time and practice. Just research what I mentioned, and that should at least get you more oriented.

Mike