Choice of Programming Language

[Stanley]

Hi,

I am planning a new project to control a small thermal plant. The programme will be required to detect certain parameters and initiate some action. For example open a valve if a water level is too low. It will also be required to take actions depending on the time of day/ day of week and accept variable signals and compare them to a predetermined set point, the difference initiating some action. In time I intend to develop a simple user interface but that is stage 2.

The programme will be run on a pc probably using Windows 7. The pc will also run other programmes as I do not expect the new project to be a heavy drain on computing power.

Many years ago I used Fortran and in the 80s became very proficient with Basic. I also used to find small DOS programmes very useful. However since then my experience is minimal.

I wondered if anyone could offer some suggestions as to the best programming language to use for such an application. It is a small voluntary project and budget is VERY limited so I cannot afford anything too exotic. I am really looking forward to developing the programme.

Many thanks,

Stanley

 

[Baez]

C++, C# or Python are all fine choices for what you need.

 

[CerealNut]

Sounds like you are a windows guy so I would either recommend C#, or if you can get away with it PowerShell (almost like DOS programs). Python might also be a good choice because it can run on both Windows and Linux platforms. Either way sounds like you are going to have a bunch of fun.

 

[thegeekfiles]

Being a C++ programmer I tend always say that. However, having done some C# projects in Windows I would say if starting programming that its a much easier language to learn that C++. And using visual studio you can build GUI's etc very quick and easy. So I would 3rd C#

 

[Rayford kinney]

Hi guys,

Thanks you for sharing your valuable suggestion and thought,the most difficult language to learn that I know is C++. One of the weird things about C++ is that the language is so complex and flexible that you develop your own style and work mostly within a subset of the language. This is strikingly illustrated by the two Microsoft object libraries.

Thanks
Rayford kinney

 

[Baez]

Hi guys,

Thanks you for sharing your valuable suggestion and thought,the most difficult language to learn that I know is C++. One of the weird things about C++ is that the language is so complex and flexible that you develop your own style and work mostly within a subset of the language. This is strikingly illustrated by the two Microsoft object libraries.

Thanks
Rayford kinney

C++ isn't known for being flexible at all. It's one of the most unforgiving languages around.

 

[carnageX]

If you plan to make a UI, and it's Windows based... I'd go with C#. C++ GUI is horrid and much harder to use. GUI and C# is so much simpler and smoother.

If you are doing this for a business, and don't want to purchase a license for Visual Studio (not sure if the Express edition allows use for business or not), I'd recommend checking out SharpDevelop: SharpDevelop @ic#code

Very close to Visual Studio's UI, and it's free/open source, but allows for commercial use.

 

[karl_ranseier]

If you plan to make a UI, and it's Windows based... I'd go with C#. C++ GUI is horrid and much harder to use. GUI and C# is so much simpler and smoother.

If you are doing this for a business, and don't want to purchase a license for Visual Studio (not sure if the Express edition allows use for business or not), I'd recommend checking out SharpDevelop: SharpDevelop @ic#code

Very close to Visual Studio's UI, and it's free/open source, but allows for commercial use.

Visual Studio Express Editions are allowed for commercial use. I strongly recommend to use them instead of sharp develop because their debuggers are quite better and their overall stability.