NorthReptile
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Advice on IDE to build Java GUI applications in Linux
Last year, we started developing an application to interface with our MySQL server. We began the development using .NET and Visual Basic. Since then many projects came between and the application is still embryonic.
Since joining the company I have taken the decision to start moving our IT to free software, namely Linux (for the Desktop use, since our servers are running Debian). We plan to move to Ubuntu and develop our IT applications there in a cross-platform environment.
My question is - what would be the best way forward for us to manage this? At first, I toyed with GTK, Mono and either VB compatibility or redoing it in C#. Now I am beginning to think that Java and Eclipse are my best routes. Both seem to provide powerful and pleasing IDEs to work in.
The most important thing is probably speed of coding and ease of designing new forms, since the application is designed for interactive use with the office staff. I am finding it quite tricky to figure out the most user friendly and easiest, but yet powerful way of creating new projects with forms.
The other problem is the manager. He used to handle all the IT and still keeps his hand in programming. I need to be able to convince him that working in these IDEs is as easy and joyful as he is used to with .Net 2005.
If anyone can help me with a list of tools I should be looking at and what direction they think I should take I would appreciate the advice. I don't have time to do this by trial and error and have to make a decision for the best way forwards. Unfortunately, my programming background is completely windows based and any more hard core programming (C++) has been purely command line based.
Any current books to purchase would also be good.
Since joining the company I have taken the decision to start moving our IT to free software, namely Linux (for the Desktop use, since our servers are running Debian). We plan to move to Ubuntu and develop our IT applications there in a cross-platform environment.
My question is - what would be the best way forward for us to manage this? At first, I toyed with GTK, Mono and either VB compatibility or redoing it in C#. Now I am beginning to think that Java and Eclipse are my best routes. Both seem to provide powerful and pleasing IDEs to work in.
The most important thing is probably speed of coding and ease of designing new forms, since the application is designed for interactive use with the office staff. I am finding it quite tricky to figure out the most user friendly and easiest, but yet powerful way of creating new projects with forms.
The other problem is the manager. He used to handle all the IT and still keeps his hand in programming. I need to be able to convince him that working in these IDEs is as easy and joyful as he is used to with .Net 2005.
If anyone can help me with a list of tools I should be looking at and what direction they think I should take I would appreciate the advice. I don't have time to do this by trial and error and have to make a decision for the best way forwards. Unfortunately, my programming background is completely windows based and any more hard core programming (C++) has been purely command line based.
Any current books to purchase would also be good.
Sankozi
You should try NetBeans ( http://www.netbeans.org/ ). In my opinion it is the best free IDE for Java. Creating forms is almost as easy as in visual studio thanks to Swing GUI Builder http://www.netbeans.org/features/java/swing.html
I agree and I also use Netbeans. However some people prefer Eclipse (www.eclipse.org) which is also free.
ASKER
Thanks, I will check that out.
Can anyone give me comments on my goals here regarding mono/C# or VB against Java and it's GUI stuff. Is the GUI stuff equally as powerful to each other and/or in comparison to Visual Studio?
Can anyone give me comments on my goals here regarding mono/C# or VB against Java and it's GUI stuff. Is the GUI stuff equally as powerful to each other and/or in comparison to Visual Studio?
ASKER
No sorry, I am not being clear maybe.
I want to know if Java is a better direction to take over Mono and GTK.
I am looking at this stuff you gave me to view and I think it's very good and probably the way forward but I am still toying with the Net framework in Linux and a GTK solution. Opinions?
I want to know if Java is a better direction to take over Mono and GTK.
I am looking at this stuff you gave me to view and I think it's very good and probably the way forward but I am still toying with the Net framework in Linux and a GTK solution. Opinions?
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ASKER
I've awarded points already since I have my answer but feel free to add any additional opinions.
Thanks.
Thanks.