Best development language for this idiot
 

I have an itch to write some software for my n800 / n900 (when it comes). I have only done a few perl scripts so far, but now I need to have graphical output and a UI.

I have not done any proper computer programming for a long, long time - and that was in FORTRAN. I have no experience of C or C++ or any object-orientated programming. I currently do my programming in:

• perl
• MATLAB
• bash scripts

So what is the best language and graphical environment for me to start with? I'm not going to be able to spend a lot of time learning a new language from scratch.

Re: Best development language for this idiot
 

why go outside your comfort zone.
gcc supports FORTRAN i believe :)

could make a mini revival :D

Re: Best development language for this idiot
 

Does any software close to what you want exist? If so, you might try starting from there and hack it up to be what you want. Starting from something is much easier than starting from scratch.

Re: Best development language for this idiot
 

Python is a great language to work with. There is sometimes a price to pay in efficiency, but it is a great way to create and learn. It's often rewarding to code in Python, not just because of the results, but some Python programs look just beautiful when you are done (yes, I'm a fanboy, whatever :rolleyes: ).

I actually don't have much experience in Python for creating interfaces... I could only advise using GTKmm, one of the best C++ libraries I've ever worked with, but if you don't know either C++ or graphical programming yet, that might take a while, and you really should start playing with either Python or perhaps GTK (C). I believe there are many graphical programs written in Perl, also, you might like to try that too...

Re: Best development language for this idiot
 

If you knew Perl, Fortran _and_ Bash I don't know how a language like C is going to slow you down.

You can do graphical applications in Perl, Fortran and Bash. But learning whatever toolkit you choose is what it's going to slow you down, so while you're at it why don't try another language.

Re: Best development language for this idiot
 

I recommend Python with GTK or Qt for user interface.

Here is the tutorial for GTK on python (pygtk):
http://www.pygtk.org/pygtk2tutorial/index.html
You'll be writing some simple GUI apps in no time.

Re: Best development language for this idiot
 

PySide is good choice. that's binding with QT. if you want write some UI with script. more detail please google.

Re: Best development language for this idiot
 

Thanks for the comments.

It looks as if Python is the way to go. Hand me that snake!

Re: Best development language for this idiot
 

+1 for Python. Stranded in twentieth-century languages, for a long time I felt like a dropout and could make no sense whatsoever of all that OO stuff... until I discovered Python's gentle way of doing things. Long live Guido, the one and only BDFL ! :-)

Re: Best development language for this idiot
 

I code in MATLAB (and C) for my day job.

Python is a good bet.

Re: Best development language for this idiot
 

PySide is not ready for prime time yet. For now, I've had good results using Python with PyQt.

Re: Best development language for this idiot
 

Yes, for now the differences between the two are minor. Unless you have issues with GPL, for now it's easier to go with PyQt, you're not missing anything (and will be able to switch later on) as the two are API compatible (for now).

Re: Best development language for this idiot
 

And if one can afford to spend some money, I recommend this PyQt book
http://www.qtrac.eu/pyqtbook.html