Considering .NET, a few questions

[monkeymynd]

Hi all,

My company is looking to convert our current Delphi (Win32)
application to a web based app. I'm looking into either ASP .NET via
C# or PHP. Our current app would best be described as a membership and
pos system. We access printers, scanners, barcode readers, cameras,
etc.

I've already read the multitude of articles regarding ASP vs PHP, so
I'm not questioning that so much. I'm more interested in finding out
what I need to know before starting this project.

1. I'm looking for a good class in ASP .NET / C#. I'm located in South
Florida and have only been able to find classes by a company name HOTT
(Hands On Technology Training). Can't really find much info on them,
so I don't think it's a good idea to start there. Any recommendations
would be greatly appreciated. I don't have a problem traveling, and
wouldn't mind an online course, as long as I have the ability to
communicate with an instructor and other participants. I feel I learn
more from talking to other developers than just following a course
outline.

2. Can anyone recommend any links with articles about moving to a web
based app? IE. security considerations, server requirements, etc.

3. Any database recommendations? We're currently using Interbase.

I'd really like to make sure that this move is executed with the
broadest knowledge possible. I'm very concerned about security issues
since we store banking & personal information. I'm looking to launch
the app in it's 'own' browser outside of the regular tabbed browsing
environment. I'd much rather get it right the first time, as opposed
to realizing too late that I'm headed down the wrong path.

So, any suggestions on where I should start? Areas I need to put more
focus on? I know this is kind of a general question, but this is new
territory for me. Seems like there are a lot of things to consider.

TIA!

 

[Tom Dacon]

For training classes, you probably couldn't do better than DevelopMentor
(www.developmentor.com). You might have to travel, but your time and money
would be well spent.

Tom Dacon
Dacon Software Consulting

 

[darrel]

I'm looking to launch

the app in it's 'own' browser outside of the regular tabbed browsing
environment. I'd much rather get it right the first time, as opposed
to realizing too late that I'm headed down the wrong path.

The best advice in terms of transferring to a 'web app' world is to fully
appreciate the fact that you have zero control over the browser.

This has been a really hard lesson for some folks here that are used to
Windows Forms based applications. It didn't help that VS 2003 sort of tried
to 'fake' windows forms inside of a web based app IDE.

I'd argue the very first step in learning to build good web apps is to
forget the back-end altogether. Make sure you have a decent grasp of HTML,
CSS and Javascript first.

-Darrel

 

[Mr. Arnold]

The best advice in terms of transferring to a 'web app' world is to fully
appreciate the fact that you have zero control over the browser.

This has been a really hard lesson for some folks here that are used to
Windows Forms based applications. It didn't help that VS 2003 sort of
tried to 'fake' windows forms inside of a web based app IDE.

I'd argue the very first step in learning to build good web apps is to
forget the back-end altogether. Make sure you have a decent grasp of HTML,
CSS and Javascript first.

Just when should one learn about back-end development? It can look as pretty
as the morning sunrise, but if the back-end doesn't work, then it's just
another piece of trash in someone's face.

 

[darrel]

Just when should one learn about back-end development? It can look as

pretty as the morning sunrise, but if the back-end doesn't work, then it's
just another piece of trash in someone's face.

If the front end doesn't work, it's just another piece of trash in someone's
face. ;o)

-Darrel

 

[Tom Dacon]

You two have, inadvertently it appears, made a compelling case for a
balanced approach to skills development, directed toward both the server
side and client side of web development. Once you add the data access layer,
security, communications, testing, and performance analysis to the mix
you've got pretty good coverage.

And in your own inimitable words, if all those aspects of development aren't
addressed, it's "just another piece of trash in someone's face," eh?

Tom Dacon
Dacon Software Consulting