How to write a cross-platform program?

Question

Greetings,

I want to write a small cross-platform utility program with GUI in it. What language/GUI-library should I stick to? Is it possible whatsoever?

Thi

Answer 1

I agree with Georgi, Java is the way to go. With a bit of work, you can make your desktop application work as a Java applet too (so that users do not need to actively download anything at all). See http://www.geogebra.org as an example of an application with runs smoothly as a cross-platform Java application AND has a simple port to a web applet.

Two other advantages to using Java are:

1. They have extensive libraries for building the UI, including UI component builders.
2. The Java runtime framework is generally updated automatically for the user.

One disadvantage:

1. The version of Java installed on your end users computer may not be totally compatible with your application, requiring you to code to the lowest likely denominator.