OT? : Open source development tools / programming language

[Alex Dean]

I'd probably recommend Java.  It's pretty good for cross-platform GUI apps (and plenty of other stuff), but there's definitely a learning curve if you're coming from a scripting language background.  You'll also need to learn JDBC if you're going to talk to MySQL.

Eclipse is a top-notch IDE for Java development.  Take a look at NetBeans, also.

You've mentioned doing PHP work in the past, so maybe also take a look at PHP+GTK.  The language will then be familiar, but getting cross-platform deployment will probably be more complex.  http://gtk.php.net/

Maybe also consider Python, which has a gui package (tkinter) as part of its standard library.  I've never used it, so maybe others can comment on it?  I just thought maybe learning Python would be easier/quicker for you than learning Java.  http://wiki.python.org/moin/TkInter

For MySQL, you need to configure the server to support SSL.  http://dev.mysql.com/doc/refman/5.0/en/secure-connections.html  I suggest doing that on some port other than 3306, since 3306 is normally for unencrypted mysql traffic.

alex

On Nov 8, 2010, at 8:00 AM, keith smith wrote:

> "Main PLUG discussion list" <plug-discuss at lists.plug.phoenix.az.us>
> 
> Hi,
> 
> I would like to write an application that would more than likely run on Windows and interface with MySql.  This would be an app that would interface with a database allowing the user to add / edit / delete data.
> 
> The need is very simple.  I was looking at Flex and find that I would probably need to use their Flex Builder which is $700.  That is not feasible at this point.  Trying to develop an app without it might be more of a pain than what it is worth.
> 
> I could always use Java, which comes with it's difficulties also.
> 
> My need is very simple.  I need to create a simple menu, some forms, and the ability to interact with MySql to manage data remotely - IE port 3306.  I would like to use an open source language, compiled to hide my work would be nice, Visual development environment would be good also.  At a very minimum, I would like it to run on Windows.  Mac and Linux would be a plus.  Security is an issue also.  Must be able to securely attach to port 3306 w/o someone being able to sniff out the user name and password. I know this is not a language issue, it is a configuration issue.  I wonder if there is something like SFTP/SSH for MySql.
> 
> As I was writing this I think Java might be the solution.  Write once run everywhere. Java is open source and free.  
> 
> Is there a visual development environment for Java that is free, easy to learn and robust?
> 
> Is there another language or languages I should consider? 
> 
> Thanks for your insight!     
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------
> Keith Smith
> 
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