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I've been asked to create an online 'catalog' where users can view items and selected users can add items. I've developed lots of applications in MSAccess so I have VB experience and also quite a few websites using Dreamweaver, and I've got some minimal HTML and javascript experience.

Currently, my only database option looks like SQL server, (not MySQL) and Dreamweaver CS6 doesn't seem to work well with it. I've tried creating asp and asp.net pages using Dreamweaver and can get the database to connect and list the records but can't get the insert to work. I've only been playing with the insert record wizard and wonder if I should try just creating queries on the server and using the stored procedures. I know ASP is 'old' now so should I be pushing to use MSSQL and PHP or try to things working using ASP and the old ADO? Would it be better for me to learn ASP.Net since there is more support and extensions available?
Posted

You have got pretty much the right idea, ASP is definitely old and working with it and especially debugging can be a pain (at least IMO). There is no "best" way out really since there are literally dozens of options for web application development. RubyOnRails, Python, PHP, Java, ASP.NET etc and even more have all got their merits and demerits.

I personally would recommend ASP.NET (i.e. if you can secure a legal copy of Visual Studio 2010/2012 & SQL Server 2005+). You can certainly download the express editions that are free and start getting your feet wet with those. ASP.NET has great integration with SQL Server and its increasingly getting compatible with other open source technologies as well for e.g. MySQL, Memcached, MongoDB etc or these are getting compatible with .NET. Dreamweaver is OK for designing web pages i suppose though its not my preferred design tool.

There is gonna be a massive push for HTML5 in the coming days so its definitely worth having a look at that as well. Infact, new version of ASP.NET is already HTML5 compliant.

I have used some PHP and MySQL as well, but it only works if you can painstakingly structure your application to separate front end mark-up from the business logic. Some people tend to use open source frameworks for that like Zend, although I have no idea how it deals with the language's inherent fragmentation and lack of strong typing.

But then again, that's my views. Hope I have shed some light to give you some idea.

Cheers
 
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Sergey Alexandrovich Kryukov 8-Oct-12 16:17pm    
I don't think this answer is more "balanced" then ours, it just goes into some examples of what else could be involved, of course not comprehensive -- does not have to be. Anyway, it's a 5.
--SA
I.explore.code 8-Oct-12 16:25pm    
Thanks! Well, I believe in "best tools for the job" so its my moral imperative that I am as all-encompassing as possible. As a 16th century Samurai warrior once said, "fixation is death, fluidity is life". :)
Sergey Alexandrovich Kryukov 8-Oct-12 16:33pm    
This is great!
As to the tool for the job: I recently read one real-life story with the morale concluded in another Samurai saying: "You may never use your sword, but you should keep it with you at all times". That was a really funny story where a narrator gave one lady a weird and expensive gift, which was a really powerful cutter; and she kept it in her car, but eventually this thing saved her.
--SA
I.explore.code 8-Oct-12 16:49pm    
Precisely! Even though its a hell of a lot easier to just use the tool that you are comfortable with but when faced with a problem of a greater scale that tool might just not work. So yes you've got to adapt! :) Its amazing, how many programmers read about Zen and Samurais.
Sergey Alexandrovich Kryukov 8-Oct-12 18:01pm    
Never heard about programming reading about Samurai, specifically, but more about Zen. I know some of those things from history, which is not related to programming.
And I one of those who think that Samurai dignity is somewhat exaggerated...
--SA
I don't think MSAccess and VB (especially if you mean something which is not VB.NET) worth wasting time. Of course, do something more serious, start using .NET, ADO.NET and, optionally, ASP.NET.

Also, when you are asking "would it be better to learn {0}", …, do your really mean "instead of {2}"? It depends on how professional you want to be. In many other cases, the better advice would be "both" or "{0}, and {1} as well", not "instead of".

—SA
 
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I.explore.code 8-Oct-12 15:51pm    
That ladies and gents, is called parametrized replying! :) "would it be better to learn {0}"...Brilliant!
Sergey Alexandrovich Kryukov 8-Oct-12 16:15pm    
Thank you very much. I started to use it, when I felt annoyed by so many incorrect questions in the form "What is the difference between {0} and {1}"...
Most questions are as sensible as if {0} was "Titanic" and {1} was "navigation" :-) or {0} was "apple" and {1} was "Apple" :-)
--SA
I.explore.code 8-Oct-12 16:22pm    
do u mind if I adopt it as well? :)
Sergey Alexandrovich Kryukov 8-Oct-12 16:26pm    
Of course you may.
You can also reference my past answers if the case of appropriate topics, which I'll only appreciate:
http://www.codeproject.com/Answers/297690/what-is-the-difference-between-the-class-and-encap#answer3
http://www.codeproject.com/Answers/297678/How-to-ask-a-good-question#answer4
--SA
I.explore.code 8-Oct-12 16:28pm    
Perfect! thanks!
Why develop in an ancient technology that AFAIK is dead? Might as well learn something new (and marketable) and develop your new application in ASP.NET.
 
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I.explore.code 8-Oct-12 15:47pm    
hahaha! that sounded like such a marketing for ASP.NET!
Sergey Alexandrovich Kryukov 8-Oct-12 15:50pm    
No! Wes "unmarkets" wasting time, no more. And ASP.NET does not really need marketing at this time.
--SA
Sergey Alexandrovich Kryukov 8-Oct-12 15:50pm    
Exactly, a 5. And I also advised how to approach such things in general.
--SA
I.explore.code 8-Oct-12 15:55pm    
looks like I am the only one who gave a more balanced approach! :) Although Sergey, my views on PHP sort of resonate with your previous comments on PHP, if you remember.

EDIT: Just waiting for a PHP guy to pop up and start hurling grenades at the .NET camp.
move to .net and vb or c#.

i have a very low load website and use ms access and web developer express. i can do everything i need to with those. if you can use visual studio or an express (free) version of vs, do it.

if you need membership (sign-ups) then start (continue) thinking about sql server. if you have the budget. if you don't need to think about the budget, great.
 
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