Native Winxp code

[m_patrick]

Hello

I'm interested in hiring a programmer a personal project, however I need to know some basic holes in my current knowledge.

If I want the program to:
- Be easy to install
- Can be installed without the need for additional software (e.g. Java/.NET)
- Works fast and natively with windows

Then what code is then supported? Obviously c/c++, but what about python? Visual basic? Python?

My idea revolves around a bluetooth idea, but I'd like to know which is the best code to do it in so that it is a) easy to install b) small executable installer c) runs fast and natively within windows xp (sp1/2/3). Thank you.


Regards,

Mike.

[PeejAvery]

- Be easy to install
Creating an installer can be very simple with the right tools. There are many deployment softwares already available. They can make the install process very simple for the user.

- Can be installed without the need for additional software (e.g. Java/.NET)
.NET is a Windows framework essential to the operation of much of Windows. Microsoft has version 2.0 listed as a "critical" update. 99% chance would say it is already on the machine. Also, if you are developing this project with Visual Basic .NET, it would already be on the machine. I would not add the .NET to this list of "additional software."

Either way, this can depend on what your application will do. If it doesn't use APIs already provided by Windows, or another control you can add to your application, you might still have to install other software. Still, many installers can handle this for you as well.

- Works fast and natively with windows
This step will depend on the developer more than anything else. If the code is clean and optimized, this is not going to be an issue.

[m_patrick]

I didn't think you could install a .NET app from a fresh xp install?

[PeejAvery]

You are correct, not from a clean XP install. But, you should always fully patch any installation. Installing Windows XP and then never updating or service packing is sheer negligence

[MrViggy]

You are correct, not from a clean XP install. But, you should always fully patch any installation. Installing Windows XP and then never updating or service packing is sheer negligence
I wouldn't exactly say that. At work, we maintain certain machines at certain service pack, update levels because our customers also do. Once something is working, you tend not to want to change it until whatever you're working on is actually in production (and you can archive all your work).

Viggy

[PeejAvery]

So, you are saying you ignore critical updates? Those I do not. I will pass by non-critical ones.

[MrViggy]

I don't, but the IT department has to test them out before applying the patches to the various machines.

[m_patrick]

Lots of users do indeed have negligence, but it's not my job to change that and thus - I expect my app to work for users who fit that criteria. In fact, I'd even go as far to say that those are the users who I'm most trying to tailor towards, since my application revolves around not having to do certain things (automatic via bluetooth).