macOS Easy programming question

[Aniej]

I am just getting started with programming, in fact I am a total beginner. My question is this: what programing language or tools do you use to build a web based application, for example google calendar, essentially I am interested in what you use to build this type of system and not the type of programming that just makes a basic web page. Secondly, what would you use if you were trying to build a traditional application that you would download? I guess I am looking towards xcode right now, but just wanted some direction. Oh yea, and ideally it would be functional on both Apple based OS and Microsoft. Thanks for the help.

 

[mags631]

You have many options. Some suggestions:

1. Web-Based Applications: PHP. See http://www.php.net

2. Apple-Only Applications: Cocoa . See http://developer.apple.com/referencelibrary/GettingStarted/GS_Cocoa/index.html
(You didn't ask, but I thought I would mention this.)

3. Windows/Apple Installable Applications: Java? I think this might be the easiest route given the cross-platform run-time and libraries.

 

[Aniej]

thanks that was very helpful. If it is possible do you think you might be able to describe some of the pros and cons, or perhaps the incentives, one has for using a web based application versus a downloaded version? And, am I correct in describing google docs and calendar as a web based application?

 

[mags631]

thanks that was very helpful. If it is possible do you think you might be able to describe some of the pros and cons, or perhaps the incentives, one has for using a web based application versus a downloaded version? And, am I correct in describing google docs and calendar as a web based application?

I think a meaningful answer would require a better understanding of what you are trying to do. Both approaches have different pros/cons depending on the application and how it will be used.

That being said, if were starting as a new programmer, I would choose to start programming in a robust programming environment like XCode, programming in Cocoa or C. I would become proficient with building simple applications for a single environment before trying to do cross-platform or distributed applications. Of course such advice is based on my education and learnings, which are rooted in the past...

 

[Aniej]

Anyone else care to provide some insight? The goal is to build a web based application, sort of like what google calendars is for lack of a better description. (I might need to make a new thread that explicitly states that).

 

[scan]

Anyone else care to provide some insight? The goal is to build a web based application, sort of like what google calendars is for lack of a better description. (I might need to make a new thread that explicitly states that).

I'm not familiar with google calendar but I can make an educated guess what it does.

php, java, jsp, html, oracle, mysql, etc... Basically there are many. Many times many different languages & tools will be used to make one whole web application. You have to be more specify with what you want.

 

[jeremy.king]

Anyone else care to provide some insight? The goal is to build a web based application, sort of like what google calendars is for lack of a better description. (I might need to make a new thread that explicitly states that).

You're asking a question of which there is no right answer.

To write a web based application you will need a server side technology. There are literally hundreds to choose from. Some of the more popular server side technologies include PHP, Ruby (on Rails), Java (JSP/Servlets), and ASP.NET. Others include ColdFusion, Perl, Python, Javascript, Tcl, etc...

Now once you decide on a technology, you will need the appropriate server software installed and configured. PHP is very common and is quite easy to setup. Almost any shared hosting provider will have PHP and isn't a bad place to start learning the ins and outs of web programming.

It's also worth mentioning that there are thousands of frameworks in all those different technologies to help get you going a little quicker.

Finally, once you start getting to the actual UI, you will most likely use a combination of HTML, CSS, and Javascript.

As for Google calendar, its written in Java on the server, and relies heavily on AJAX (XML and Javascript) for some of the cool UI features.

P.S. If you want a cross platform desktop based application (i.e. a downloadable app) - look no further than Java.

 

[lazydog]

Hi

Have a look at the google code site code.google.com. Lots of information there. But basically the Google stuff is Javascript, Java, AJAX, .Net on the client and Java Servlets on the server.

For cross platform development of desktop applications between Mac, Widnows and Linux, in addition to Java, there is RealBASIC. It's definitely worth having a look at.

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