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What language for my new desktop project?

Discussion in 'Programming' started by sarahk, Feb 27, 2006.

0
  1. #1
    My DH has produced a spreadsheet that he wants to sell online.

    First thing, I have to convert it from a spreadsheet into something more secure.

    We've used visual foxpro for bigger projects but the system files that vfp requires bloat the download and are overkill for this wee thing.

    .Net might be ok but I suspect lots of people don't have the run time modules (lots of his users will still be on '98, win2k etc)

    Access is an option? Anyone down a product using that?

    Any other suggestions?
     
    sarahk, Feb 27, 2006 IP
  2. xfairguy

    xfairguy Well-Known Member

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    #2
    As I remember VFP runtime is not that big.
     
    xfairguy, Feb 27, 2006 IP
  3. sarahk

    sarahk iTamer Staff

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    #3
    Later versions may not be but with vfp6 even a teeny app bloated up to 2meg
     
    sarahk, Feb 27, 2006 IP
  4. mnemtsas

    mnemtsas Super Dud

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    #4
    .NET is not really going anywhere for small scale desktop apps using the try before you buy model. The main reasons are:

    1. .NET code can still be decompiled even if you use an obfuscator
    2. Detecting and installing the .NET runtime is problematical and the actual runtime itself is huge, 20MB.

    Most people doing try before you buy are using:

    C++
    Delphi
    VFP
    VB6
    Clarion

    You could do it in VFP as a 2 MB DL these days is pretty trivial. Alternatively you could build it as an Excel COM add in and use Armadillo or something similar to protect it. There's some information here: http://forum.siliconrealms.com/index.php?showtopic=3029&hl=excel about how you can protect .XLA files using Armadillo.

    I still build my try before you buy apps in VB6. I know it's obsolete but until there's a decent way of distributing the .NET runtime it's the only option I have.
     
    mnemtsas, Feb 27, 2006 IP
    forumbulge likes this.
  5. sarahk

    sarahk iTamer Staff

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    #5
    Thank you, I'll check those out (clicks "time and billing software" timer off)

    And because of all sorts of political nitwittery NZ still has alot of people on dialup so 2MB is still alot.
     
    sarahk, Feb 27, 2006 IP