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From: "Jason Buchanan" <jasonb@lucent.com>
Subject: Re: Newbie question regarding C++ vs Visual Basic
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References: <01bc39f7$98407e00$1bccb8ce@keithp.vip.best.com>
Date: Thu, 27 Mar 1997 18:17:48 GMT
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Graphics usage would be a major factor, but it sounds like that won't be an
issue for you.  Visual Basic is certainly easier for learning Windows
programming in general, IMHO (that's how I got started as a Windows
developer).  C++ provides extra benefits when you get more advanced.  The
biggest shortcoming I've found with VB is it's limited ability to receive
Windows Messages.  It gets all the major ones (like for resizes, clicks,
moves, etc.) but a lot of the custom messages are ignored (like the MCI
notification you'd receive when a MIDI file stops playing, or network
notifications).  The workaround I've used is to develop .OCX's to handle
these messages for me, but that can be a lot of extra work.

To give a more precise recommendation, I'd say start off with VB.  Menu and
dialog box management is simple and AI for your computer opponent should be
language-neutral anyway.  If you get into some heavy-duty programming
situations you might look into moving up to VC++, but I'd recommend getting
a complete product finished in VB first to help build your Windows skills.

Hope I've been of assistance...

Jason Buchanan
Lucent Technologies
Bell Labs  Denver, CO
jasonb@lucent.com

Tyler Martin <tymartin@ix.netcom.com> wrote in article
<01bc39f7$98407e00$1bccb8ce@keithp.vip.best.com>...
> Hello!
> 
> I'll try to make this short.  I am in the process of selecting a
> programming language to learn.  
> I have done a lot of research on the net regarding C++ and Visual Basic
and
> have purchased
> a book on C++.  I am leaning towards learning Visual Basic but am
concerned
> that it will not
> meet the needs of my intended goal.  
> 
> I want to create a financial based game with a strong computer opponent. 
I
> am really interested
> in having the opponent be able to "make decisions" based on probability
and
> randomness.  
> 
> The game will not have any graphics and will mostly be menu driven.  
> 
> Any info you can provide will be greatly appreciated.  Even if it is to
> tell me I am in
> over my head.
> 
> 
> Thank you,
> 
> Tyler
