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What to start learning?

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  • U Offline
    U Offline
    User 13011826
    wrote on last edited by
    #1

    So I am in my mid thirties and a COO of a small business. Way back when in High School I took some programming classes and loved it. VB6. Fast forward to college and started in computer science before I hated a few professors in a row and switched to business school. So In ever followed through on what was my intent at that point of being a programmer / developer. Now, I see a real need for my business for a centralized application that can handle a multitude of things. Basically, we are a very unique company and not out of the box software fits all of our needs. I am realistic and I know I am not going to create an end all software application for my company. I totally get that. This is a side hobby for me (and I have kids too so we'll see how much time I have). BUt I have always loved problem solving, computers, and the thought of programming really intrigues me. Since I knew VB6 (based on high school classes, far from an expert) I am inclined to think VB.net is the best place to start and learn. But for me to learn through a project, if you are recommending to a newbie who wants to dabble with one application and never do this for a living... What would you recommend to them studying, learning, and playing with? It would need to be a database application too so that factors in. Web or desktop I dont know. I am inclined to think web takes so much of the complication out of connectivity and end user experience. But is it powerful enough to really do thinks. Here would be my start: Right now we take meeting minutes manually in a word based template. This software would have data entry for the minutes, keep it organized, and automatically distribute to all participants after the meeting. First feature. Second feature is a shop drawing log and submittal tracker. So when we make something custom, we prepare a detail drawing. Send it to an architect for approval. When it is approved sned to the manufacturer to release into production. Track all of these submissions etc. That would be number two. I would start with those two small features and continue slowly to add one at a time. Just a slow release of new functionality as our team realizes they need something. Recommendations?

    OriginalGriffO M M R R 15 Replies Last reply
    0
    • U User 13011826

      So I am in my mid thirties and a COO of a small business. Way back when in High School I took some programming classes and loved it. VB6. Fast forward to college and started in computer science before I hated a few professors in a row and switched to business school. So In ever followed through on what was my intent at that point of being a programmer / developer. Now, I see a real need for my business for a centralized application that can handle a multitude of things. Basically, we are a very unique company and not out of the box software fits all of our needs. I am realistic and I know I am not going to create an end all software application for my company. I totally get that. This is a side hobby for me (and I have kids too so we'll see how much time I have). BUt I have always loved problem solving, computers, and the thought of programming really intrigues me. Since I knew VB6 (based on high school classes, far from an expert) I am inclined to think VB.net is the best place to start and learn. But for me to learn through a project, if you are recommending to a newbie who wants to dabble with one application and never do this for a living... What would you recommend to them studying, learning, and playing with? It would need to be a database application too so that factors in. Web or desktop I dont know. I am inclined to think web takes so much of the complication out of connectivity and end user experience. But is it powerful enough to really do thinks. Here would be my start: Right now we take meeting minutes manually in a word based template. This software would have data entry for the minutes, keep it organized, and automatically distribute to all participants after the meeting. First feature. Second feature is a shop drawing log and submittal tracker. So when we make something custom, we prepare a detail drawing. Send it to an architect for approval. When it is approved sned to the manufacturer to release into production. Track all of these submissions etc. That would be number two. I would start with those two small features and continue slowly to add one at a time. Just a slow release of new functionality as our team realizes they need something. Recommendations?

      OriginalGriffO Offline
      OriginalGriffO Offline
      OriginalGriff
      wrote on last edited by
      #2

      If you have learned VB6, then I'd suggest that you learn C# rather than VB.NET. VB6 and VB.NET are too similar, and it's easy to get into old habits and use things you know instead of the newer, more flexible versions. C# avoids that by having a pretty different syntax. Get a book - or better a course - and give it a go! The tools are all free, just google "Visual Studio Community Edition" and download direct from Microsoft.

      Bad command or file name. Bad, bad command! Sit! Stay! Staaaay...

      "I have no idea what I did, but I'm taking full credit for it." - ThisOldTony
      "Common sense is so rare these days, it should be classified as a super power" - Random T-shirt

      D K 2 Replies Last reply
      0
      • U User 13011826

        So I am in my mid thirties and a COO of a small business. Way back when in High School I took some programming classes and loved it. VB6. Fast forward to college and started in computer science before I hated a few professors in a row and switched to business school. So In ever followed through on what was my intent at that point of being a programmer / developer. Now, I see a real need for my business for a centralized application that can handle a multitude of things. Basically, we are a very unique company and not out of the box software fits all of our needs. I am realistic and I know I am not going to create an end all software application for my company. I totally get that. This is a side hobby for me (and I have kids too so we'll see how much time I have). BUt I have always loved problem solving, computers, and the thought of programming really intrigues me. Since I knew VB6 (based on high school classes, far from an expert) I am inclined to think VB.net is the best place to start and learn. But for me to learn through a project, if you are recommending to a newbie who wants to dabble with one application and never do this for a living... What would you recommend to them studying, learning, and playing with? It would need to be a database application too so that factors in. Web or desktop I dont know. I am inclined to think web takes so much of the complication out of connectivity and end user experience. But is it powerful enough to really do thinks. Here would be my start: Right now we take meeting minutes manually in a word based template. This software would have data entry for the minutes, keep it organized, and automatically distribute to all participants after the meeting. First feature. Second feature is a shop drawing log and submittal tracker. So when we make something custom, we prepare a detail drawing. Send it to an architect for approval. When it is approved sned to the manufacturer to release into production. Track all of these submissions etc. That would be number two. I would start with those two small features and continue slowly to add one at a time. Just a slow release of new functionality as our team realizes they need something. Recommendations?

        M Offline
        M Offline
        Marc Clifton
        wrote on last edited by
        #3

        Member 13044355 wrote:

        Right now we take meeting minutes manually in a word based template. This software would have data entry for the minutes, keep it organized, and automatically distribute to all participants after the meeting. First feature.

        Use Slack. Set up a channel for the meeting, people who need to know about the meeting subscribe to the channel, distribution isn't an issue, as that's what Slack is all about.

        Member 13044355 wrote:

        Second feature is a shop drawing log and submittal tracker. So when we make something custom, we prepare a detail drawing. Send it to an architect for approval. When it is approved sned to the manufacturer to release into production. Track all of these submissions etc.

        Use Git. You get version control, people can post issues, other people can submit changes that fix the issues. A particular drawing can be tagged with custom tags for where it is in the workflow, and I think Git even has some sort of workflow "thing", if not them, someone surely does.

        Member 13044355 wrote:

        Recommendations?

        Basically, before writing a line of code, look at what amazing tools are out there already that you can use. Maybe they don't meet your needs 100%, but you can certainly start with them and leverage their API's for any custom functionality you might need. Marc

        V.A.P.O.R.ware - Visual Assisted Programming / Organizational Representation Learning to code with python is like learning to swim with those little arm floaties. It gives you undeserved confidence and will eventually drown you. - DangerBunny Artificial intelligence is the only remedy for natural stupidity. - CDP1802

        U 1 Reply Last reply
        0
        • M Marc Clifton

          Member 13044355 wrote:

          Right now we take meeting minutes manually in a word based template. This software would have data entry for the minutes, keep it organized, and automatically distribute to all participants after the meeting. First feature.

          Use Slack. Set up a channel for the meeting, people who need to know about the meeting subscribe to the channel, distribution isn't an issue, as that's what Slack is all about.

          Member 13044355 wrote:

          Second feature is a shop drawing log and submittal tracker. So when we make something custom, we prepare a detail drawing. Send it to an architect for approval. When it is approved sned to the manufacturer to release into production. Track all of these submissions etc.

          Use Git. You get version control, people can post issues, other people can submit changes that fix the issues. A particular drawing can be tagged with custom tags for where it is in the workflow, and I think Git even has some sort of workflow "thing", if not them, someone surely does.

          Member 13044355 wrote:

          Recommendations?

          Basically, before writing a line of code, look at what amazing tools are out there already that you can use. Maybe they don't meet your needs 100%, but you can certainly start with them and leverage their API's for any custom functionality you might need. Marc

          V.A.P.O.R.ware - Visual Assisted Programming / Organizational Representation Learning to code with python is like learning to swim with those little arm floaties. It gives you undeserved confidence and will eventually drown you. - DangerBunny Artificial intelligence is the only remedy for natural stupidity. - CDP1802

          U Offline
          U Offline
          User 13011826
          wrote on last edited by
          #4

          I appreciate the quick response but unfortunately that is a major part of our issue now as a company. We have so many different tools and technologies (some of which we need external users to be part of, not just internal) the common response from our team is there is just too much to keep track of. We cant update our CRM, our PM tool, our accounting tool, our chat, our email, our file subscriptions, etc. So I am trying to find a platform that can bring all of this under one roof. I looked at tons of PSA software, but they are soooooo complicated and many out of the box have so many features we would never use. Just looking to slowly integrate our tools into one platform so people one day could have one place to go for things.

          N M 2 Replies Last reply
          0
          • U User 13011826

            So I am in my mid thirties and a COO of a small business. Way back when in High School I took some programming classes and loved it. VB6. Fast forward to college and started in computer science before I hated a few professors in a row and switched to business school. So In ever followed through on what was my intent at that point of being a programmer / developer. Now, I see a real need for my business for a centralized application that can handle a multitude of things. Basically, we are a very unique company and not out of the box software fits all of our needs. I am realistic and I know I am not going to create an end all software application for my company. I totally get that. This is a side hobby for me (and I have kids too so we'll see how much time I have). BUt I have always loved problem solving, computers, and the thought of programming really intrigues me. Since I knew VB6 (based on high school classes, far from an expert) I am inclined to think VB.net is the best place to start and learn. But for me to learn through a project, if you are recommending to a newbie who wants to dabble with one application and never do this for a living... What would you recommend to them studying, learning, and playing with? It would need to be a database application too so that factors in. Web or desktop I dont know. I am inclined to think web takes so much of the complication out of connectivity and end user experience. But is it powerful enough to really do thinks. Here would be my start: Right now we take meeting minutes manually in a word based template. This software would have data entry for the minutes, keep it organized, and automatically distribute to all participants after the meeting. First feature. Second feature is a shop drawing log and submittal tracker. So when we make something custom, we prepare a detail drawing. Send it to an architect for approval. When it is approved sned to the manufacturer to release into production. Track all of these submissions etc. That would be number two. I would start with those two small features and continue slowly to add one at a time. Just a slow release of new functionality as our team realizes they need something. Recommendations?

            M Offline
            M Offline
            Mark_Wallace
            wrote on last edited by
            #5

            TBH, I think you should start by studying how your data should be stored in a database or databases (the "back end"). Starting by looking for ways of entering and processing the data (the "front end") will leave you staring into an abyss full of complications, if you don't get your database structure right, before you begin. I'd suggest that you have a google for database tutorials, until you find one that you like. MySQL is free for the kind of requirements you're talking about, and the amount of MySQL usage information on the Internet is immense, in varieties to suit all tastes and needs. Once you've got your database structure(s) sorted out, the front end will be a lot less stressful -- it's a lot easier working out how to get data in and get data out if you know where and how it's going to be stored.

            I wanna be a eunuchs developer! Pass me a bread knife!

            L 1 Reply Last reply
            0
            • M Mark_Wallace

              TBH, I think you should start by studying how your data should be stored in a database or databases (the "back end"). Starting by looking for ways of entering and processing the data (the "front end") will leave you staring into an abyss full of complications, if you don't get your database structure right, before you begin. I'd suggest that you have a google for database tutorials, until you find one that you like. MySQL is free for the kind of requirements you're talking about, and the amount of MySQL usage information on the Internet is immense, in varieties to suit all tastes and needs. Once you've got your database structure(s) sorted out, the front end will be a lot less stressful -- it's a lot easier working out how to get data in and get data out if you know where and how it's going to be stored.

              I wanna be a eunuchs developer! Pass me a bread knife!

              L Offline
              L Offline
              Lost User
              wrote on last edited by
              #6

              Mark_Wallace wrote:

              MySQL is free for the kind of requirements you're talking about, and the amount of MySQL usage information on the Internet is immense, in varieties to suit all tastes and needs.

              It's free, but that's about all that speaks for MySql. Why does nobody use a postgres database? In my opinion it's the better database that you don't need any money to buy. Add PgAdmin, so that you don't need to configure it with the console and then you are ready to go. There also is a .Net database connector, but I must look what its name was.

              The language is JavaScript. that of Mordor, which I will not utter here
              This is Javascript. If you put big wheels and a racing stripe on a golf cart, it's still a fucking golf cart.
              "I don't know, extraterrestrial?" "You mean like from space?" "No, from Canada." If software development were a circus, we would all be the clowns.

              M 1 Reply Last reply
              0
              • U User 13011826

                So I am in my mid thirties and a COO of a small business. Way back when in High School I took some programming classes and loved it. VB6. Fast forward to college and started in computer science before I hated a few professors in a row and switched to business school. So In ever followed through on what was my intent at that point of being a programmer / developer. Now, I see a real need for my business for a centralized application that can handle a multitude of things. Basically, we are a very unique company and not out of the box software fits all of our needs. I am realistic and I know I am not going to create an end all software application for my company. I totally get that. This is a side hobby for me (and I have kids too so we'll see how much time I have). BUt I have always loved problem solving, computers, and the thought of programming really intrigues me. Since I knew VB6 (based on high school classes, far from an expert) I am inclined to think VB.net is the best place to start and learn. But for me to learn through a project, if you are recommending to a newbie who wants to dabble with one application and never do this for a living... What would you recommend to them studying, learning, and playing with? It would need to be a database application too so that factors in. Web or desktop I dont know. I am inclined to think web takes so much of the complication out of connectivity and end user experience. But is it powerful enough to really do thinks. Here would be my start: Right now we take meeting minutes manually in a word based template. This software would have data entry for the minutes, keep it organized, and automatically distribute to all participants after the meeting. First feature. Second feature is a shop drawing log and submittal tracker. So when we make something custom, we prepare a detail drawing. Send it to an architect for approval. When it is approved sned to the manufacturer to release into production. Track all of these submissions etc. That would be number two. I would start with those two small features and continue slowly to add one at a time. Just a slow release of new functionality as our team realizes they need something. Recommendations?

                R Offline
                R Offline
                R Giskard Reventlov
                wrote on last edited by
                #7

                Member 13044355 wrote:

                Recommendations?

                If you think it's expensive to hire a professional, wait till you hire an amateur. Great that it's your hobby - keep it that way and get a real pro in to do a proper job - it will save you money and heartache in the long run. If you do insist on going down the road, use c#. Good luck.

                D 1 Reply Last reply
                0
                • L Lost User

                  Mark_Wallace wrote:

                  MySQL is free for the kind of requirements you're talking about, and the amount of MySQL usage information on the Internet is immense, in varieties to suit all tastes and needs.

                  It's free, but that's about all that speaks for MySql. Why does nobody use a postgres database? In my opinion it's the better database that you don't need any money to buy. Add PgAdmin, so that you don't need to configure it with the console and then you are ready to go. There also is a .Net database connector, but I must look what its name was.

                  The language is JavaScript. that of Mordor, which I will not utter here
                  This is Javascript. If you put big wheels and a racing stripe on a golf cart, it's still a fucking golf cart.
                  "I don't know, extraterrestrial?" "You mean like from space?" "No, from Canada." If software development were a circus, we would all be the clowns.

                  M Offline
                  M Offline
                  Mark_Wallace
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #8

                  Postgres, then. I ain't here to advertise anything; it's the tutorials element I was waffling on about.

                  I wanna be a eunuchs developer! Pass me a bread knife!

                  L 1 Reply Last reply
                  0
                  • U User 13011826

                    So I am in my mid thirties and a COO of a small business. Way back when in High School I took some programming classes and loved it. VB6. Fast forward to college and started in computer science before I hated a few professors in a row and switched to business school. So In ever followed through on what was my intent at that point of being a programmer / developer. Now, I see a real need for my business for a centralized application that can handle a multitude of things. Basically, we are a very unique company and not out of the box software fits all of our needs. I am realistic and I know I am not going to create an end all software application for my company. I totally get that. This is a side hobby for me (and I have kids too so we'll see how much time I have). BUt I have always loved problem solving, computers, and the thought of programming really intrigues me. Since I knew VB6 (based on high school classes, far from an expert) I am inclined to think VB.net is the best place to start and learn. But for me to learn through a project, if you are recommending to a newbie who wants to dabble with one application and never do this for a living... What would you recommend to them studying, learning, and playing with? It would need to be a database application too so that factors in. Web or desktop I dont know. I am inclined to think web takes so much of the complication out of connectivity and end user experience. But is it powerful enough to really do thinks. Here would be my start: Right now we take meeting minutes manually in a word based template. This software would have data entry for the minutes, keep it organized, and automatically distribute to all participants after the meeting. First feature. Second feature is a shop drawing log and submittal tracker. So when we make something custom, we prepare a detail drawing. Send it to an architect for approval. When it is approved sned to the manufacturer to release into production. Track all of these submissions etc. That would be number two. I would start with those two small features and continue slowly to add one at a time. Just a slow release of new functionality as our team realizes they need something. Recommendations?

                    R Offline
                    R Offline
                    RossMW
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #9

                    A understanding of data relationships and database structure is critical. If you get this wrong you will come up limitation and pain later on. However you will want to play in both the database and development app side so I would recommend c# rather than VB.Net. There is nothing instrinctly wrong with VB but c# does provide a better foundation to other languages and techniques in the future. The learning curve to C# will be slightly more thn VB, but will be worth it in the long run. Start small and concentrated on the basics first and if you're learning from scatch, be prepared to rewrite it later with the better coding and database structures etc you pick up over time.

                    1 Reply Last reply
                    0
                    • M Mark_Wallace

                      Postgres, then. I ain't here to advertise anything; it's the tutorials element I was waffling on about.

                      I wanna be a eunuchs developer! Pass me a bread knife!

                      L Offline
                      L Offline
                      Lost User
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #10

                      I did not mean to advertise. Many years ago I grew out of MySql and ended up with Postgres, Since then I have written a lot of code that uses the database and have not hit any restrictions. It supposedly also stick close to the SQL standard, so that there should be no trouble finding tutorials or literature.

                      The language is JavaScript. that of Mordor, which I will not utter here
                      This is Javascript. If you put big wheels and a racing stripe on a golf cart, it's still a fucking golf cart.
                      "I don't know, extraterrestrial?" "You mean like from space?" "No, from Canada." If software development were a circus, we would all be the clowns.

                      M 1 Reply Last reply
                      0
                      • U User 13011826

                        So I am in my mid thirties and a COO of a small business. Way back when in High School I took some programming classes and loved it. VB6. Fast forward to college and started in computer science before I hated a few professors in a row and switched to business school. So In ever followed through on what was my intent at that point of being a programmer / developer. Now, I see a real need for my business for a centralized application that can handle a multitude of things. Basically, we are a very unique company and not out of the box software fits all of our needs. I am realistic and I know I am not going to create an end all software application for my company. I totally get that. This is a side hobby for me (and I have kids too so we'll see how much time I have). BUt I have always loved problem solving, computers, and the thought of programming really intrigues me. Since I knew VB6 (based on high school classes, far from an expert) I am inclined to think VB.net is the best place to start and learn. But for me to learn through a project, if you are recommending to a newbie who wants to dabble with one application and never do this for a living... What would you recommend to them studying, learning, and playing with? It would need to be a database application too so that factors in. Web or desktop I dont know. I am inclined to think web takes so much of the complication out of connectivity and end user experience. But is it powerful enough to really do thinks. Here would be my start: Right now we take meeting minutes manually in a word based template. This software would have data entry for the minutes, keep it organized, and automatically distribute to all participants after the meeting. First feature. Second feature is a shop drawing log and submittal tracker. So when we make something custom, we prepare a detail drawing. Send it to an architect for approval. When it is approved sned to the manufacturer to release into production. Track all of these submissions etc. That would be number two. I would start with those two small features and continue slowly to add one at a time. Just a slow release of new functionality as our team realizes they need something. Recommendations?

                        P Offline
                        P Offline
                        PIEBALDconsult
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #11

                        Member 13044355 wrote:

                        very unique

                        :sigh:

                        1 Reply Last reply
                        0
                        • U User 13011826

                          So I am in my mid thirties and a COO of a small business. Way back when in High School I took some programming classes and loved it. VB6. Fast forward to college and started in computer science before I hated a few professors in a row and switched to business school. So In ever followed through on what was my intent at that point of being a programmer / developer. Now, I see a real need for my business for a centralized application that can handle a multitude of things. Basically, we are a very unique company and not out of the box software fits all of our needs. I am realistic and I know I am not going to create an end all software application for my company. I totally get that. This is a side hobby for me (and I have kids too so we'll see how much time I have). BUt I have always loved problem solving, computers, and the thought of programming really intrigues me. Since I knew VB6 (based on high school classes, far from an expert) I am inclined to think VB.net is the best place to start and learn. But for me to learn through a project, if you are recommending to a newbie who wants to dabble with one application and never do this for a living... What would you recommend to them studying, learning, and playing with? It would need to be a database application too so that factors in. Web or desktop I dont know. I am inclined to think web takes so much of the complication out of connectivity and end user experience. But is it powerful enough to really do thinks. Here would be my start: Right now we take meeting minutes manually in a word based template. This software would have data entry for the minutes, keep it organized, and automatically distribute to all participants after the meeting. First feature. Second feature is a shop drawing log and submittal tracker. So when we make something custom, we prepare a detail drawing. Send it to an architect for approval. When it is approved sned to the manufacturer to release into production. Track all of these submissions etc. That would be number two. I would start with those two small features and continue slowly to add one at a time. Just a slow release of new functionality as our team realizes they need something. Recommendations?

                          M Offline
                          M Offline
                          Mycroft Holmes
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #12

                          As others have intimated, study your data and get that correct first, then hire a professional to do the job. I would recommend that you pick a smaller hobby project, or even an obscure but small part of the overall project to do your learning on. Use your growing knowledge to learn from and oversee the professional. As the COO of the company you should have neither the time nor experience to do this job, it will never come to fruition and you will have wasted your time to no benefit to the company. If you have identified a need for an integrated system then budget it and move forward, don't piss about trying to fiddle it yourself.

                          Never underestimate the power of human stupidity RAH

                          1 Reply Last reply
                          0
                          • L Lost User

                            I did not mean to advertise. Many years ago I grew out of MySql and ended up with Postgres, Since then I have written a lot of code that uses the database and have not hit any restrictions. It supposedly also stick close to the SQL standard, so that there should be no trouble finding tutorials or literature.

                            The language is JavaScript. that of Mordor, which I will not utter here
                            This is Javascript. If you put big wheels and a racing stripe on a golf cart, it's still a fucking golf cart.
                            "I don't know, extraterrestrial?" "You mean like from space?" "No, from Canada." If software development were a circus, we would all be the clowns.

                            M Offline
                            M Offline
                            Mark_Wallace
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #13

                            Downloaded. I'll give it a whirl on my next new project.

                            I wanna be a eunuchs developer! Pass me a bread knife!

                            L 1 Reply Last reply
                            0
                            • U User 13011826

                              So I am in my mid thirties and a COO of a small business. Way back when in High School I took some programming classes and loved it. VB6. Fast forward to college and started in computer science before I hated a few professors in a row and switched to business school. So In ever followed through on what was my intent at that point of being a programmer / developer. Now, I see a real need for my business for a centralized application that can handle a multitude of things. Basically, we are a very unique company and not out of the box software fits all of our needs. I am realistic and I know I am not going to create an end all software application for my company. I totally get that. This is a side hobby for me (and I have kids too so we'll see how much time I have). BUt I have always loved problem solving, computers, and the thought of programming really intrigues me. Since I knew VB6 (based on high school classes, far from an expert) I am inclined to think VB.net is the best place to start and learn. But for me to learn through a project, if you are recommending to a newbie who wants to dabble with one application and never do this for a living... What would you recommend to them studying, learning, and playing with? It would need to be a database application too so that factors in. Web or desktop I dont know. I am inclined to think web takes so much of the complication out of connectivity and end user experience. But is it powerful enough to really do thinks. Here would be my start: Right now we take meeting minutes manually in a word based template. This software would have data entry for the minutes, keep it organized, and automatically distribute to all participants after the meeting. First feature. Second feature is a shop drawing log and submittal tracker. So when we make something custom, we prepare a detail drawing. Send it to an architect for approval. When it is approved sned to the manufacturer to release into production. Track all of these submissions etc. That would be number two. I would start with those two small features and continue slowly to add one at a time. Just a slow release of new functionality as our team realizes they need something. Recommendations?

                              K Offline
                              K Offline
                              KarstenK
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #14

                              Learn C# maybe with the focus on Xamarin for mobile platform. The are a lot of tutorials in web - some for free but think about a paid plan to get serious. The all important question is for what or whom do want to make software?

                              Press F1 for help or google it. Greetings from Germany

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                              • M Mark_Wallace

                                Downloaded. I'll give it a whirl on my next new project.

                                I wanna be a eunuchs developer! Pass me a bread knife!

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                                Lost User
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #15

                                Great! Don't forget PgAdmin and I will look what the .Net connector was called. I think the installer will suggest some tools and download them for you if you want.

                                The language is JavaScript. that of Mordor, which I will not utter here
                                This is Javascript. If you put big wheels and a racing stripe on a golf cart, it's still a fucking golf cart.
                                "I don't know, extraterrestrial?" "You mean like from space?" "No, from Canada." If software development were a circus, we would all be the clowns.

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                                • L Lost User

                                  Great! Don't forget PgAdmin and I will look what the .Net connector was called. I think the installer will suggest some tools and download them for you if you want.

                                  The language is JavaScript. that of Mordor, which I will not utter here
                                  This is Javascript. If you put big wheels and a racing stripe on a golf cart, it's still a fucking golf cart.
                                  "I don't know, extraterrestrial?" "You mean like from space?" "No, from Canada." If software development were a circus, we would all be the clowns.

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                                  Mark_Wallace
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #16

                                  Their own web-site was an absolute nightmare to use, so I downloaded it from a freeware site. I'll probably do the same for any non-automatic extensions.

                                  I wanna be a eunuchs developer! Pass me a bread knife!

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                                  • U User 13011826

                                    So I am in my mid thirties and a COO of a small business. Way back when in High School I took some programming classes and loved it. VB6. Fast forward to college and started in computer science before I hated a few professors in a row and switched to business school. So In ever followed through on what was my intent at that point of being a programmer / developer. Now, I see a real need for my business for a centralized application that can handle a multitude of things. Basically, we are a very unique company and not out of the box software fits all of our needs. I am realistic and I know I am not going to create an end all software application for my company. I totally get that. This is a side hobby for me (and I have kids too so we'll see how much time I have). BUt I have always loved problem solving, computers, and the thought of programming really intrigues me. Since I knew VB6 (based on high school classes, far from an expert) I am inclined to think VB.net is the best place to start and learn. But for me to learn through a project, if you are recommending to a newbie who wants to dabble with one application and never do this for a living... What would you recommend to them studying, learning, and playing with? It would need to be a database application too so that factors in. Web or desktop I dont know. I am inclined to think web takes so much of the complication out of connectivity and end user experience. But is it powerful enough to really do thinks. Here would be my start: Right now we take meeting minutes manually in a word based template. This software would have data entry for the minutes, keep it organized, and automatically distribute to all participants after the meeting. First feature. Second feature is a shop drawing log and submittal tracker. So when we make something custom, we prepare a detail drawing. Send it to an architect for approval. When it is approved sned to the manufacturer to release into production. Track all of these submissions etc. That would be number two. I would start with those two small features and continue slowly to add one at a time. Just a slow release of new functionality as our team realizes they need something. Recommendations?

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                                    dan sh
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #17

                                    Member 13044355 wrote:

                                    Recommendations?

                                    Angular 24 would be a good start. It should be out by the time you make coffee.

                                    "It is easy to decipher extraterrestrial signals after deciphering Javascript and VB6 themselves.", ISanti[^]

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                                    • D dan sh

                                      Member 13044355 wrote:

                                      Recommendations?

                                      Angular 24 would be a good start. It should be out by the time you make coffee.

                                      "It is easy to decipher extraterrestrial signals after deciphering Javascript and VB6 themselves.", ISanti[^]

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                                      den2k88
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #18

                                      By the time he drinks it there would be already Angular 29.5

                                      * CALL APOGEE, SAY AARDWOLF * GCS d--- s-/++ a- C++++ U+++ P- L- E-- W++ N++ o+ K- w+++ O? M-- V? PS+ PE- Y+ PGP t++ 5? X R++ tv-- b+ DI+++ D++ G e++>+++ h--- ++>+++ y+++*      Weapons extension: ma- k++ F+2 X * Never pay more than 20 bucks for a computer game. * I'm a puny punmaker.

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                                      • OriginalGriffO OriginalGriff

                                        If you have learned VB6, then I'd suggest that you learn C# rather than VB.NET. VB6 and VB.NET are too similar, and it's easy to get into old habits and use things you know instead of the newer, more flexible versions. C# avoids that by having a pretty different syntax. Get a book - or better a course - and give it a go! The tools are all free, just google "Visual Studio Community Edition" and download direct from Microsoft.

                                        Bad command or file name. Bad, bad command! Sit! Stay! Staaaay...

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                                        den2k88
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #19

                                        Not only that: VB.NET has come capabilities less than C#, which means that when he will progress enough he will still have to learn another language, with an entire different syntax from VB. C# is the .NET language, and its C-like syntax eases the passage to most languages. And there are way more examples/guides/tutorials/whatsoever.

                                        * CALL APOGEE, SAY AARDWOLF * GCS d--- s-/++ a- C++++ U+++ P- L- E-- W++ N++ o+ K- w+++ O? M-- V? PS+ PE- Y+ PGP t++ 5? X R++ tv-- b+ DI+++ D++ G e++>+++ h--- ++>+++ y+++*      Weapons extension: ma- k++ F+2 X * Never pay more than 20 bucks for a computer game. * I'm a puny punmaker.

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                                        • R R Giskard Reventlov

                                          Member 13044355 wrote:

                                          Recommendations?

                                          If you think it's expensive to hire a professional, wait till you hire an amateur. Great that it's your hobby - keep it that way and get a real pro in to do a proper job - it will save you money and heartache in the long run. If you do insist on going down the road, use c#. Good luck.

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                                          DerekT P
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #20

                                          Absolutely. Great that you have an interest in programming, definitely go for it as a hobby if you have the time. But do NOT write software for your company that it will depend on, or whose failure could cost the company time. The company is not only YOUR source of income, it's the support for your staff. Do not lumber your "baby" with software written by a beginner. You'd no more do that than take time out building offices for your staff with no prior experience. Either hire a permanent, experienced staff member or work closely with a reputable freelancer. Get as involved as you like (but don't take your eye off running your business). Learn from them and by all means get involved in the process. Otherwise, not only do you risk your business but you also probably lose your hobby, as you will be frustrated and come to hate software development as you see the damage it's doing.

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