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.

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

could make a mini revival

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.

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 ).

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...

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.

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.

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

Thanks for the comments.

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

+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 ! :-)

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

Python is a good bet.