What is a good programming language/environment for Linux database applications?

Question

I could use some advice on my move from the Windows world to Linux. For my business, I have used VB6 and Microsoft Access with both Access databases and SQL server in the past. The easy to use forms, report writers and programming language were perfect for CRUD apps and analysis for our small hotel/restaurant business.

After using Linux at home for some time I would like to convert our small business. Our server is already a Linux box using Samba. I am happy with the OpenOffice.org applications instead of Microsoft Office. The only thing which is holding me back is a desktop database application where I can develop the forms and reports we require. Base does not seem to be up to the job yet from my experience.

I would like something like VB.Net with visual studio (express) but I would like to avoid Mono – I just don’t see the point of it. (You can correct me if I’m wrong.) But a good collection of forms, controls and a good report writer would be ideal.

I have looked at web based stuff like Ruby on Rails, but I think a webserver for our 5 pc network is overkill. I don’t mind running a proper database on our Ubuntu 9.10 server.

I may have exposed a few prejudices above but my mind is open. Any thoughts?

Answer 1

You may not understand the point of Mono...but you're living it. You're familiar with the .NET Framework, but you need to develop a cross-platform application.

Mono will allow you to use the language you're familiar with to get your application up and running quickly and reliably. You can even use a sub-set of WinForms instead of having to learn another GUI Framework. It's Win/Win.

If this was a personal project, I'd suggest maybe picking something else up and learning from the ground up. Instead, this is a business app and you'd be much better off using what you know to get something working quickly and reliably.

Answer 2

I don't see any issue with using Mono or Java. Both are well supported on all platforms, syntax is familiar, and gui is a breeze.

Answer 3

You might want to check out Python with SQLite or MySQL.

Answer 4

You should give Mono another look. Linux is wonderful for some things, but fast 4GL tools like Access are not its strong suit. You won't find an analogue to Access.

Answer 5

These days a web server isn't any more overkill than a database server or a file server is. If you don't go the Mono route suggested by others, I'd reconsider the webapp path.

Answer 6

I have decided to go with Ruby on Rails. I have been teaching myself for the past few weeks and it seems intuitive. Plus, I like Ruby as a language.

Thanks for all the help