Roth wrote:
Yeah, I've done some minor coding in C++, but nothing all that great. I can't do anything outside of command line programs, which really limits me. This is the reason I wanted to use VB.NET, but if there are no bitwise operations, I think I'll have to figure something else out :/
If you did some minor C++ then I would suggest to not jump on VB.NET unless your have a background in VB6. This is almost the only reason VB.NET exist: easier migration for VB6 coders to .NET (my opinion).
As for bitwise operators, my mistake, they decided to integrate them since .NET 1.1. If you happen to be using Visual Studio 2002 (.net 1.0) then you're out of luck.
If you thought that VB.NET must be like VB6 which is easier to make RAD application, so is C#. I would still suggest C# for your .NET needs. This is where Microsoft put most of it efforts since the beginning.
Roth wrote:
Thanks for the offer of giving me some code, but part of the fun is actually figuring it out, then applying it! What I could really use is some direction, honestly.
No problem, always fun to figure out by yourself so I know how you feel. When I just need a solution (ex: creating tabbed document for my application) and I just want it to work, that's when I just use some existing components. In some case it is not worth to re-invent the wheel.
Since I'm doing some research to figure out how to display thing properly in the 2.0 framework, I'm starting to know more about it. So if you have some question, I may have searched for the same thing you're looking for, so you can ask me anytime. Let just say the Bitmap related part of the framework is not as user friendly as some other parts.
Roth wrote:
I didn't realize there were no good ways to manipulate bits in VB, so now that gives me something to think about. Maybe I could look into Visual C++? I think I used to have a copy of that before, and maybe I still do... the free download one, that is. I can't recall what they officially name it. Thanks for letting me know about the bit stuff! Disheartening, but great to know : )
Sorry if I mislead you by the bit stuff, it really depends which you're using.
For the free version of the compiler, you're talking about the Visual studio express editions
http://www.microsoft.com/Express/ . They now have the one for 2008.
If you don't have strong experience with Visual C++ and decide to do some .NET out of it, let's just say that you will have a hard time. They changed 2 times the way you have to declare managed variables in so I wouldn't be surprised if they change it again. I would still suggest to try C# express 2008 and use select the framework 2.0 and should be more than happy with it.
I really starting to feel like a MS sale guy so I have to stop because I'm become sick just thinking about it
It is really up to you. If you do some C# then I may be able to help you about Bitmap related thing.