i want to convert my old desktop windows program to a language that is independent of microsoft .. don't ask why.
.. my old program is written in visual-basic (vb.net) and works with microsoft access databases.
.. the old program contains about 20 different forms for data input/output.
.. the old program contains about 70,000 lines of code.
.. it is distributed to my windows users for installation using a standard (.exe) or (.msi) file.
.. it contains numerous modules or sub-routines which require global variables.
.. it uses arrays.
.. it uses list boxes (tables), checkboxes, radio buttons, drop-down combo-boxes, etc.
.. it uses timer controls so the program can do things at certain intervals.
.. it incorporates dlls.
.. it accesses the rs-232 com ports for input/output of information to/from other devices.
.. it displays bmp and jpg images in a picture box
.. it paints specific areas of a graphic image which is contained in a picture box.
.. for example, it colors certain states of a country map, or it puts a red dot on a world map.
.. it displays a gray-line (day-night) world map which shows which parts of the earth are in daylight.
.. it uses a lot of complex math.
.. it pulls data from websites.
.. it locates, creates, opens, reads/writes, and saves text files.
.. it creates, renames, and deletes folders
.. it creates and works with large built-in relational databases.
.. it uses an address to display (in a picture box) a google or bing map of the location.
.. it allows for customized printing such as mailing labels.
(-) i do not need an object oriented language that is built around classes.
(+) i do want to develop the program using a powerful (ide).
(+) i do want versions of the program to work on windows, linux, and apple desktop pcs.
? what (powerful) general purpose (ide) programming language do you suggest i switch to ?
(*) you can see (and download a free version of) my old program by
searching the internet for (wa0h) .. (0) is the number zero
most links will take you to my website .. wa0h (dot) com.
jerry .. age 77 .. jerrywa0h@sbcglobal.net .. programming since 1963 (an old timer)
