programming question

[reet]

ok guys, here's your goofy question for the day.

My buddy is wanting to write a program for a local pool hall to manage the time spent on the tables. He wants to create a program that will allow the owner to start a timer for each table when someone rents time to play. I know nothing about programming and neither does my buddy, but he wants to learn. So, where should he start? Recommendations on websites, what programming code should he use, should he go soak his head and join the circus? Any suggestions for me to give him would be greatly appreciated. He's very nice, but I think he is in over his head, so I thought I would check here to see what you guys would suggest.

[southrk]

I would suggest that he use Java. One of the easiest languages to learn.

[dj4uk]

I agree Java would be good as it'll work on any machine.

[mosquito]

Java is good. But so is Visual Basic for such a thing.

[DrZaius]

Another vote for Java. I would recommend creating a GUI interface too so he can just point and click to start the timer or add a rented table, etc.

[reet]

told my buddy about JAVA. He went to one of the local stores that sells software ($5.35/hour employee) and they told him C++ and Visual, so now he doesn't even want to try JAVA. Think he would rather listen to what real computer people have to say, but he knows it all. so much for trying to help someone out. Thank you guys (and gals if it applies) for all the info. This is the best site on the web for help.

[aym]

I vote for both! both of them can handle this pretty good!

[Demosthenes]

For basic usage, JAVA == C++. The only difference really is syntax. But that is true for any language. I mean, how many ways can you make an if statement or for loop structurally different? When you start getting deeper into it, JAVA handles the "nuts and bolts" which really angers the hackers (not the kind you are thinking of, but the coding gurus). Java is also not the fastest thing in the world, which further angers the hackers. If you starting out doing GUIs, definitely go with Java. Use swing over awt. Once you get the hang of it, layout managers are kind of fun. Even better would be Visual Basic. It does all the tedious stuff for you.

Respectfully,

Demosthenes