Need opinions on selecting a programming language 1

[RPGguy]

My company will be developing a data warehouse (SQLServer) for marketing purposes. Myself and another programmer will be responsible for developing a user interface on the company intranet allowing users to view and analize the data collected. They will also need to enter data into tables.

As my user name implies, I am an AS400 RPG programmer for 21 years which I know means little for OOP. This past year I did learn PHP and developed a small system but Linux isn't an option for the new project.

What I'm asking for here are opinions from experienced developers as to what language(s) we should consider to develop our system. We are starting from scratch so the slate is clean. If you have a suggestion please ballpark any associated cost we may incur (license fees, etc...). Thanks in advance. This is one fantastic website.

Scott

 

[RobHudson]

Hi RPGuy

I've never been anywhere near AS400.

PHP will run fine on a Windows server. All my PHP development takes place on Windows and then I upload it to Linux. It's also pretty easy to use SQL Server with it

My personal preference would be to use .NET. Being a Microsoft product it integrates really well with SQL Server and talks to it (behind the scenes) in it's native language - or so I'm lead to believe! Another advantage is that although it's OO, it can be written in a way that makes learning the OO stuff easier as you go along.

.NET allows you to develop in many languages. The most popular being C# and VB.NET. I'm pretty sure that if you program one of these will be pretty quick to pick up!

I'm not sure of prices, but you're best bet would be to ask you software vendor.

I have developed many internet and intranet sites using .NET and SQL Server and find it a very good combination.

Given you'll be looking at having a datawarehosue, you may also want to consider SQL Server Reporting Services, that again, integrate nicely.

Hope that helps a bit

Rob

PS. I don't work for Microsoft - but if any of them read this, I don't mind getting a commission - hehehe!

 

[RPGguy]

Thanks for your input Rob. From a purely selfish perspective, which OO language do you think is the most marketable? With the AS400 world shrinking I have to come out of this project with a new set of skills.

 

[RobHudson]

RPGuy

mmm...that's a toughy!

Some might say that Java is the way - but I personally don't do any Java what so ever (other than JavaScript and that's not real Java!!).

I'm a freelance programmer and 70-80% of my work is in PHP. The remaining being in .NET and a very small amount of Classic ASP. But there are an increasing number of .NET projects comming up. There also seems to be a pretty bouyant market for .NET full-time and contracting.

If I was to be looking for a permenant job then I would, personally, be focusing on .NET.

Good luck learning!!
Rob