• 0

How to make "real" programs in VB.NET


Question

I have been programming in C++, Java, and VB for 4 years in college. All the applications I make are just simple calculating and recording tasks only. As a result, I am focusing on extending my skills in VB.

How do I deploy a standalone executable?

How and where do I learn how to make applications that interact with the windows environment, registry, other programs, etc?

THanks

Link to comment
Share on other sites

6 answers to this question

Recommended Posts

  • 0

By "real" programs, do you mean simple executables, or executables without the framework?

If you're talking about executables without the framework: While there is one solution that would say otherwise, the general concensus is that you CANNOT distribute a .NET application without the framework installed on the client. It's just how the framework works. You can't view Flash animations on websites without the plugin can you? :p

Simple exectuables: Just create a Win32 app in VS.net 2002/2003/2005 Express. Drag and drop controls on there and you've got yourself an executable.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0
How do I deploy a standalone executable?

How and where do I learn how to make applications that interact with the windows environment, registry, other programs, etc?

584825393[/snapback]

1. You cannot create a standalone application in ANY VERSION OF VB or Java. VB6 requires accompanying DLL files (10Mb), Java and VB.Net require a runtime environment (20Mb). You may use C++ though. To avoid having to include any other DLL files you can program everything yourself, not using the classes of MFC. This produces small sleek programs. Or you can use MFC but choose to compile those classes into your program. The file size is much larger, but you save development time.

2. I learn my searching to web for examples and learning from them. You need to select a language first though. C++ and VB will be easier to access the Windows environment than Java. Java wasn't designed for that and the work around is rather ugly.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0
1. You cannot create a standalone application in ANY VERSION OF VB or Java.  VB6 requires accompanying DLL files (10Mb), Java and VB.Net require a runtime environment (20Mb).  You may use C++ though. 

[snip...]

584828360[/snapback]

To address the java issue, you can compile Java programs to native bytecode using gcj. I believe with a few additional packages, you can make swing programs that are native windows executables.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0
1. You cannot create a standalone application in ANY VERSION OF VB or Java.  VB6 requires accompanying DLL files (10Mb), Java and VB.Net require a runtime environment (20Mb).  You may use C++ though.  To avoid having to include any other DLL files you can program everything yourself, not using the classes of MFC.  This produces small sleek programs.  Or you can use MFC but choose to compile those classes into your program.  The file size is much larger, but you save development time.

2. I learn my searching to web for examples and learning from them.  You need to select a language first though.  C++ and VB will be easier to access the Windows environment than Java.  Java wasn't designed for that and the work around is rather ugly.

584828360[/snapback]

there is a program out there from Remotesoft i believe that allows you to compile .net applications to native executables, therefore getting rid of the .net framework dependency. however that being said it isn't recommended to do that because if there is a bug in the framework..you would have to redistribute your application all over again.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0

It adds about 7 megs of bulk to your application as well, if I remember correctly. It's easier just to distribute the framework, more and more applications are moving over to it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0

Thanks for all the posts. I was using VB.NET in school and thought that it was an academic version only (no deployable or distributable option). I didnt realize that there was more to this.

Thanks again.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.