C++ vs. Visual Basic vs. Java

[Milan@]

Hi,
I'm a new bee at programming with VB and have recently build a small financial application with Visual Basic 6.0 running on an Access database. It still has a few bugs, but anyways..
I like to try other programming languages and want to know if someone can tell me:
- the (dis) advantages of using C++, Visual Basic or Java.
When should I consider using C++, Visual Basic or Java.
I now have SQL server installed and planning to build a customers registration application.
PS: I'm not (yet) familiar with C++ or Java, but they are on my list.

Can someone help me, please. Thanks.

[Latem]

Well that issue really depends on the situation and context, and what you are trying to build.
But here goes:

C++:
disadvantages:
* hardest of the 3, bigger learning curve, experience helps a lot, etc...
* probably slowest to program with
* additional costs, time, and learning may be needed to do cross-platform development

advantages:
* fast
* good syntax
* lots of resource, libraries, and such
* good for threading
* good for stuff where reliability is important
* don't have to really worry about additional dependancies such as .NET or VB runtime, or JRE. usually you can statically link stuff, or distribute the dlls, w/o adding much in terms of size
* good for cross-platform development if done right

You should use it when performance matters.
You should use it when memory control matters.
You should use it if you prefer it, and any other language doesn't have any real advantages over it, in the specific context.
You should use it if a part of code is already in C++, or you have C++ code or libraries that you can already use for your problem (again context specific).
Probably, should be used for embedded systems (although usually C and/or Assembly fits this better, but again depends on the sitation)

Visual Basic:
disadvantages:
* ugly syntax
* not as fast, and not as good on memory usage
* adds additional dependancies. requires either .NET (adding 20 Megs to your requirements), or the VB runtime, which isn't that big
* not as good for threading (or so I've read)

advantages:
* pretty good for working with databases
* fast and easy development
* not really cross platfrom (yet...)
* prolly lots of resources, and libs (don't know personally)
* good for building apps that need to interact w/ webservices (at least VB.NET I think should be from what I've read)

You should use it for db stuff for windows. Also if it's your best language, over the other two. If you don't have a lot of time on your hands.

Java:
disadvantages:
* slow
* not as good on memory usage
* adds additional dependancies. requires JRE (which is 13 megs)
* GUI usually has to be done all by hand. there are GUI builders, but I don't know of any that are free, and the once I know of are really explansive.
* strongly enforces OOP design and architecture

advantages:
* good syntax
* faster development than C++
* you dont have to worry about memory managment
* easy (mostly; at least easier than C++)
* strongly enforces OOP design and architecture
* great for cross platform development
* lots of resources, and libs
* good for building apps that need to interact w/ webservices

If cross-platform is important, You should seriously consider Java. Nothing does it quite as well.
If you are comfortable w/ the language, over the other 2, and the other 2 don't offer any real advantages for your problem. Also if you are making Client/Server app, Apache XML-RPC implementation is trully great. So if you don't mind Java, and you need this networking requirement, it maybe useful (depends on the situation). Also prolly the most used language for mobile device apps.

This is what I came up with. But the key point to get is that it really depends on the context, of what is needed, what you feel comfortable with, what the app needs to do, and everything else.
Everything should be looked at, and then choose the most appropriate tool.

Latem

[Milan@]

Latem,

Thanks,
It's true. I find my VB app rather slow and the dependencies are a pain every time an installation needs to be done on another machine (win2000 proff, NT, 95).
(Haven't solve this problem yet)

The thing is there are a few people here programming in Java OR C++, but no one could compare the three languages etc.

So, I'm very gratefull. Thank you.

Milan@

[cancer10]

Latem, you are contradicting yourself in the advantages/disadvantages of visual basic

in diadvantages u r saying that "not as fast" and in disadvantages u r saying that "fast and easy development" which one is true?



Milan@

Its completely insane to compare all 3 of them. They all have diff. purposes in themselves.

C,C++ are used to for system level programming, device drivers, OS components etc

Visual basic is mainly used for developing Desktop application programming, like payroll software, inventory system, etc

Java is used to develop web based application, like applet, etc


Correct me if I am wrong!

[Latem]

I meant not as fast, performance wise, which is a disadvantage.
But it is easy and fast development, because it is easy and fast to program in VB, compared to C++. But C++ is faster, performance wise. Sorry maybe my wording was bad.

I wouldn't say Java is strictly for web applets, or something like that. Java is just as suited for desktop applications as VB. There are lots of Java desktop applications. Azureus, probably the most popular bittorent client is one of them. Eclipse, and a lot of other Java IDEs. RssOwl. and there are many more. It just depends on the situation.

Latem

[Milan@]

Hi Cancer10,
thanks for your reply,
So you'r mainly saying, that I should consider using

** JAVA when developing web appl.
**VB when developing desktop appl.
And
** C, C++ for system level programming etc??!!

A collegue of mine is developing (read 'must develop') a registration app with C++(thuogh he barely knew the language) which will be used in a client server environment .

I thought that a web appl whould be much easier to implement and maintain, for there will be at least 3 (concurrent) endusers in phase 1, approx 50 at phase 2 etc.

My question is: Can you make a client server app developed in C++, web enabled in a later phase?
Or should we develop the whole app from scratch again?

Please help, I for myself must soon choose between a Java and C++ course (mostly self study).

Many thanks,
Milan@

[cancer10]

I am not getting ur point but If u r requesting me to make one 4 u then let me clear u that I don't have a slightest knowledge of C++ or Java.

[Milan@]

oohps,
I think my question is a little bit misplaced here,
But thank yuo all anyways.

[cancer10]

No Problem

[micknustiunimik]

Java when developing WEB applications
C++ for all others.

[Diep-Vriezer]

No way! JAVA for web applications? Use ASP.NET! It executes a lot faster, develops easier, and has a very extensive library.

C++ just rocks. It's so much faster then a regular VB application, however VB is just so nice to program. Development goes so fast, maybe a little bit TO fast, but that's another story.

If I were you, learn C++ for Windows. After that, VB should be a cookie.

[ovidiucucu]

If I were you, learn C++ for Windows.

There is a "special" C++ for Windows?

[Hokutata]

however VB is just so nice to program.

That is what YOU think, VB lover.

[Hokutata]

Java when developing WEB applications
C++ for all others.

This is the best answer.

[cancer10]

There is a "special" C++ for Windows?

There is C++ (we call it G++) for linux too