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i want to convert my old desktop windows program to a language that is independent of microsoft .. don't ask why.

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.. my old program is written in visual-basic (vb.net) and works with microsoft access databases.

.. the old program contains about 20 different forms for data input/output.

.. the old program contains about 70,000 lines of code.

.. it is distributed to my windows users for installation using a standard (.exe) or (.msi) file.

.. it contains numerous modules or sub-routines which require global variables.

.. it uses arrays.

.. it uses list boxes (tables), checkboxes, radio buttons, drop down combo-boxes, etc.

.. it uses timer controls so the program can do things at certain intervals.

.. it incorporates dlls.

.. it accesses the rs-232 com ports for input/output of information to/from other devices.

.. it displays bmp and jpg images in a picture box

.. it paints specific areas of a graphic image which is contained in a picture box.
.. for example, it colors certain states of a country map, or it puts a red dot on a world map.

.. it displays a gray-line (day-night) world map which shows which parts of the earth are in daylight.

.. it uses a lot of complex math.

.. it pulls data from websites.

.. it locates, creates, opens, reads/writes, and saves text files.
.. it creates, renames, and deletes folders

.. it creates and works with large built-in relational databases.

.. it uses an address to display (in a picture box) a google or bing map of the location.

.. it allows for customized printing such as mailing labels.

(-) i do not need an object oriented language that is built around classes.
(+) i do want to develope the program using a powerful (ide).
(+) i do want versions of the program to work on windows, linux, and apple desktop pcs.

? what (powerful) general purpose (ide) programming language do you suggest i switch to ?

(*) you can see (and download a free version of) my old program by
searching the internet for (wa0h) .. (0) is the number zero
most links will take you to my website .. wa0h (dot) com.

jerry .. age 77 .. xxxxxxxxxxxxxx@sbcglobal.net .. programming since 1963 (an old timer)

What I have tried:

due to the nature of the question, i have tried nothing yet
Posted
Updated 24-May-18 11:51am
v2
Comments
CPallini 24-May-18 8:35am    
Having such huge experience you should have wisdom as well.
Having wisdom you should not ask such a question.

D[^]
 
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I will tell you the truth by saying that it is a Sisyphos job converting such a big code base and UI to another language. You need some re-design from the scratch and new UI. Another major issue is the usage of dlls which makes OS portability impossible. The RS 232 usage is also some problem.

My advise would be to use Xamarin for good portability but ease of usage.

A Java development may be another options and its sounds optimal for portability. Someone made a comparision of Java IDE. I would use eclipse.
 
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Java, and netbeans or eclipse.
 
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I would consider using C++ and one of the cross-platform GUI libraries that are available. This page lists several : List of platform-independent GUI libraries - Wikipedia[^]. WxWidgets seems to be a popular one.
 
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