From Roger:
So, in summary:
1. What software/languages to use for everything?
(Even text editors,
if necessary.)
2. What development process to use? How do each of my
steps (and any
additional ones you might think of) map from Access to
your solution?
3. If there is a learning curve/development speed (or
something else)
trade-off decision to be made depending on
software/language choice,
what is it?
4. Recommended books/resources?
-----------------------
Roger, i think you picked the right db, for starters.
i wouldn't be so negative on mysql, though, it
obviously does a lot right. i just prefer pgsql of
the two very functional dbs - probably for many of the
same reasons you did.
i think you'll enjoy pgadmin3 - it is a gui interface
to pgsql. it provides methods to do almost anything
you'll ever need - especially the basics.
you choice of a front end language is really up to
you.
i started out with php - its syntax is c-ish, or so
i'm told.
php is primarily used for web based front ends. i use
a forms class (very helpful) and the adodb db
abstraction layer class.
i'm currently learning ruby and some ruby on rails.
ruby is the language, and rails is the web db
framework.
if a web interface is what you desire... research php
and ruby on rails.
if i understand correctly, ruby may also be used to
develop an executable type program with a gui. i
don't know enough about your app (or ruby) to say it
would fit.
i pretty much roll my own reports at this point. i
query the db and disply the results in a browser.
i am interested in feedback on reports, though.
i think i will use php to run the queries and export
to a csv file and then use ruby to take that file an
import it into a spreadsheet - the spreadsheet being
the report. i'm on the edge of my skillset, though,
so i can't offer to much value here.
make the interface decisions and then decide on a
language that can get it done and *get started*. stay
in touch here and with the forums, newsgroups, mailing
lists, etc. for the language / framework that you
choose.
good luck.
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