Choice of programming language

[jcc3inc]

Gentlemen:
I have done some programming in QuickBasic with reasonable results; my main interest in in machine control wherein the parallel port is used to output pulses etc to three axes, X, Y, Z. The current "leaders" in this field are doing their programs in Windows, with XP being the preferred choice. It seems that the nice display as compared to DOS is a significant factor in choosing Win. Everybody expects to see a Windows type of display.

So, my question is:
Would Visual Basic be a good choice after using Basic? How difficult will it be transitioning to it? Is Version 5 acceptable?

Would something like Powerbasic for Win be a possibility?

One guy programs for Win XP in C, he says. What other options are there for making Windows programs?

Thanks for your comments.
Jack C.

[relsoft]

PowerBAsic if you Have the money.

But I kinda liked VB.

[na_th_an]

If you know BASIC programming, VB is damn easy. After doing your first steps, just learn something about Windows API calls and you'll be the boss. VB is REALLY EASY. It is for nuts like me

But for real programming, I suggest you to learn C.

[toonski84]

powerbasic for windows would translate the most easily, but you will probably have to rewrite everything you port.

they're both based off the quickbasic syntax, so you shouldn't have any trouble getting the hang of either

[Hexadecimal Disaster]

I'd prefer VB over PB for Win, just because of the popularity factor.

[toonski84]

the "popularity factor" with microsoft marketing than any sort compiler quality. Visual Basic isn't good for much beyond business apps that dont need much computational power.

[Hexadecimal Disaster]

Well, tell *that* to my boss. 8)

[relsoft]

but..but...but...awwww forget it!!!