Whether you are learning to program, or embarking on a major development project, choosing the right tools is critical. It is not only a matter of which product to go for. Most of the leading packages are presented in a bewildering variety of versions, with huge differences in price. The following guide aims to help you through the maze.

Which Language, Which Platform?

The software development world is increasingly divided into three camps. If you want to create native Windows applications, the main languages used are C++, Visual Basic, or Object Pascal as used by Borland's Delphi product. Next comes Java, developed by Sun Microsystems, which compiles to an intermediate format that will run on any platform for which a Java Virtual Machine exists. Java is the natural choice for cross-platform work and ideal for learning thanks to its modern object-oriented features. Finally there is Internet development. Typically more than one language is involved, with popular choices include Java, Perl, Visual Basic and C++ on the Web server, along with JavaScript or Java applets to runs in the Web browser itself. You also need to learn Web standards including HTML and HTTP.

Windows Development

Microsoft's Visual Studio forms a suite of applications that you can buy together or individually. If you want more than one, it may well pay to get the suite ( Professional Edition). Visual C++ is the most powerful tool, and combines a highly productive slick IDE (Integrated Development Environment) with a superb compiler. It also comes with the Microsoft Foundation Classes, a C++ class library that wraps the Windows API, and the Active Template Library, optimised for small, fast COM components. Visual C++ is not a RAD (Rapid Application Development) tool, and there is a lot to learn before you can be truly productive. It is also one of the weaker C++ compilers when it comes to ISO compliance, so is not the best choice for cross-platform work. Even so, it remains the most powerful Windows development tool.

Visual Basic combines the Basic language with a RAD form designer and a generous range of pre-built components. Easy to learn and quick to use, Visual Basic is a strong tool for database development, and an excellent way to build COM components. The language does suffer from idiosyncrasies that hit more advanced developers, and it is emphatically Windows only. This is available in Learning, Professional, Enterprise and Starter Kit editions.

Java Development

The basic Java development kit is a free download from Sun so it costs nothing to get started. The commercial Java IDEs offer advantages such as smart code editors with automatic indentation and statement completion, visual designers for designing forms, a range of pre-built components, class browser, project manager, integrated debugger, and wizards to automate common tasks. When choosing a Java product, it makes sense to consider which other products you will be using, such as a database or application server. For example, Borland's JBuilder is supported on Windows, Linux, and Sun Solaris, and has excellent RAD features, good support for JavaServer pages, and links to Borland's application server.

Internet Development

The third large area is Internet development. Creating applications that run in Web browsers is demanding, because typically more than one language is involved. Popular choices include Java, Perl, Visual Basic and C++ for Web server applications, along with JavaScript or Java applets to runs in the Web browser itself. You also need to learn Web standards including HTML and HTTP. Most of the tools mentioned have features to support Web development. If you are targeting Active Server Pages, Microsoft's tools make good sense, while Java developers should look at JavaServer Pages. Macromedia's Dreamweaver UltraDev is a RAD tool which combines Web page authoring with development for Active Server Pages, JavaServer Pages, or ColdFusion. There is also good integration with other Macromedia products like Flash and Fireworks.

Read More About It

Many development tools come with hardly any printed documentation. Fortunately, there are starter kits available, some of which come with cut-down or trial versions of the actual developer tools on a bundled CD. Macmillan's Programming Starter Kit is worth special mention, with packs for Visual Basic and Borland C++. They include a book alongside a working version of the product and generous documentation on CD. Curiously, the Borland packs include a book on C rather than C++, but they are still good-value bundles.