Easy to use, opensource, cross-platform (inc GUI), programming language?

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Posted by shockuk, 10-26-2008, 02:41 PM
Hi all, I guess what i'm really asking here, "is there anything like RealBasic that is opensource?" RealBasic is such an easy to learn language, and the IDE offers loads of features like intellisense and a GUI-builder (much like VisualStudio). RB allows you to compile your program for use on Windows (98 and later), Linux (with GTK+2), and MacOS (Universal, PowerPC and Intel), without having to edit the code (or GUI) in any way. It actually procduces native executables, not sets of bytecode with runtimes/virtualmachines. The down side? RB prices $500 USD, and is proprietary, closed source software. I actually own a copy of RealBasic, however would rather use an opensource equivalent. If anyone knows of any "underdeveloped" projects, I would be happy to join up and help. Iv'e researched into it, but it looks like nothing has been made yet. (P.S. I don't mean language for language compatibility, just with the main features suggested above, and with the ease of use). Any ideas? Thanks very much, Shockuk.
Posted by Panopta, 10-30-2008, 12:53 PM
Have you looked at Python? It's open source, runs on Linux, Mac and Windows, is fully object oriented and, with one of the GUI toolkits such as WxPython or PyGTK, can build quite impressive cross-platform GUI applications. It's an interpreted language, but there are some packaging utilities available to produce what looks like native executables, especially for Windows, that make it easy for your users to install. Eclipse now provides a very good development environment for Python, with the PyDev extensions - you get automatic formatting and highlighting, code completion, etc. I believe there are also some GUI builder packages, although I haven't used them. Check out http://wiki.python.org/moin/GuiProgramming for more details.
Posted by Ceetoe, 10-30-2008, 01:13 PM
Panopta nailed it. Python is a great language for this. Also, if you will be developing open source applications then you can use the PyQT GUI for free. However, if you're developing commercially, the license for QT is quite pricey. A good basic tutorial on getting started with PyQT(if interested): http://www.learningpython.com/2008/09/20/an-introduction-to-pyqt/
Posted by AdiAndreias, 11-28-2008, 08:47 PM
Language: Python Free IDE: Eclipse with Pydev Enhanced IDE (paid add-on): Pydev extension Portable GUI: PyQt Here's your complete solution
Posted by stardot, 12-21-2008, 03:12 PM
Technically you could use java for scripting -- I've used it for scripting in windows before in the past (i.e. group policy domain logon scripts, automating scripts, etc). Alternatively, I would have to recommend pearl. It's learning curve is very reasonable I would recommend at least checking it out as an option if you are considering java or python -- its definitely a viable and competitive alternative.
Posted by stardot, 12-21-2008, 03:14 PM
lol. thats "perl" , not "pearl". i'm an idiot

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