Some questions abt coders

[mahesh2k]

Hi
I have some questions for you.

1) I want to know how u guys write such small utilities that are less than 1MB.Sometimes it includes even the installers.

2) Which programming language you use to develop the software or small utilities? whihc IDE?Please explain in brief.


thanks in advance.please answer my queries.

[kyrathaba]

I'm not sure where you're coming from with this, but I'll give it a shot:

The overheard added to an application by wrapping it in an installation has grown smaller in recent years.  In one recent article somewhere here on the site, someone was talking about a freeware installer that claimed, if I recall correctly, to add less than 100 Kb.  I'm not sure what sort of utility programs you're referring to, but there are many, many useful programs well under 1 Mb in size even counting the installer.

[db90h]

1. Developing native code in C/C++ usually results in size optimal executables. In contrast, using Visual Basic or some other high level IDE results in less efficient executables. The trade off is ease of programming (or learning to program) versus size and speed optimality.
2. Most small executables are compressed with an executable packer like PECompact or UPX. This reduces the physical size by usually 60-80%.

[kyrathaba]

If you decide to try compressing your executables, I recommend PECompact for C# applications.  UPX doesn't care for .NET too well 

[mahesh2k]

Thanks for the compressions question. Do these softwares are designed in Autohotkey or something else? which IDE or compiler is used to create these softwares? How & where can i look in order to create rich small apps like one skrommel did?

Another question is there any tool that works like autohotkey and is cross paltform.

[mouser]

Another question is there any tool that works like autohotkey and is cross paltform.

now that is a good question!!

you might look into something like python.

[app103]

skrommel uses autohotkey...but not all of us do.

I use Delphi...some use C/C++...some use something else.

[TucknDar]

Another question is there any tool that works like autohotkey and is cross paltform.

now that is a good question!!

you might look into something like python.

this could possibly be a place to start looking. I know it's for windows, but it's in python: pywinauto -> http://www.donationcoder.com/forum/index.php?topic=7971.0

[app103]

Another question is there any tool that works like autohotkey and is cross paltform.

Might want to take a look at tcl/tk.

[mahesh2k]

What do u think abt QT is it worth to learn it?

[mitzevo]

Let me give you some direction.. (my own opinions)

Learn C/C++ for system based coding.
php for web based coding
..
and you're all set

[SkyIDE]

Executable's size also depends on the type of linking you use.

Static linking where all code from external libs is compressed into the executable or dynamic linking where the code is not compressed and it requires you to include the libs in order for the program to run properly .

If you use static linking, the size of the EXE will be greater because all of the required code is compiled into the EXE itself.

If you use dynamic linking, the size of the EXE will be a lot smaller BUT you will need to make sure the end user has got the required libs installed or your program will fail to load. Dynamic linking will also make the program execute faster.

Regarding QT, I've used it before..ages ago. I used it with KDevelop. QT is just a toolkit that draws the GUI and does some processing. Personally, I find QT very easy to use. Easier than Microsoft's MFC for sure. I haven't used it since KDE 1.2 however....

If you have time to learn it then getting some extra knowledge never hurts but you must be confident in C++ first...

[f0dder]

As for small installers, check out nullsoft NSIS. It's slightly tricky to get into, but it's pretty powerful and very very small overhead. I've even seen commercial games using it for their installers.

[SkyIDE]

I haven't used this one but there is another "Inno Setup". I am not sure how small it is but I've seen a lot of programs using it.