I replied to that explaining this is a very bad idea with the following text:

[Even though you may think so,] it's not [a good idea], for a number of reasons. First of all, now it clutters up
*my* Inbox. Secondly, it is a question appropriate for the Wrox forum
as it's on-topic. Thirdly, by going private, other people won't be
able to learn from the answer so it's only a matter of time until
someone else tries to send me the same question. Next, by mailing it
private you force me to give you an answer which may take more time
than you have. By asking a question in public, others may be able to
respond to it as well, which may result in a faster answer for you.
Finally, my profile page on the Wrox site asks you specifically not to send me questions that you can also ask on the Wrox forum.

So, please post this on the public forum. It's better for all of us.

Cheers,

Imar


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Imar Spaanjaars
http://Imar.Spaanjaars.Com
Everyone is unique, except for me.
Author of Beginning ASP.NET 3.5 : in C# and VB, ASP.NET 2.0 Instant Results and Dreamweaver MX 2004
Want to be my colleague? Then check out this post.

lol I guess I was mistaken.

Here is the question:

Can you use the same database for web applications as you do for windows applications for interactivity purposes?

As an example, could I sign up for an account on a ASP.NET website and have that account tied into my C++ application to access, say a user account console?

Haha, yeah, well, never mind. You're not the first (nor the last) one to do that. It's just so much easier and better to keep it public and web based.

But yes, you certainly could use the same database, provided your applications and database server can "see" each other. Both .NET as C++ applications have the ability to connect to databases.

If you stick to .NET (e.g. both your web apps and desktop / command line applications are written in .NET C# or VB.NET) you can make use of the so called Membership Services. These services provide the ability for sign up, login, forgotten passwords, role management and so on. While mainly targeted at ASP.NET, they can quite easily be reused in a Windows desktop application for example.

The Security chapter of Beginning ASP.NET 3.5 gives you an introduction to the necessary controls and logic behind them.

For more info; http://quickstarts.asp.net/QuickStar...y/default.aspx

If you're really new to programming, I would stick to the .NET platform and focus on C# and/or VB.NET. C++ is a complex technology to master, and may not be the right thing to get started with right now.
Just my 2 cents; of course it largely depends on your own knowledge and interest.

Cheers,

Imar


---------------------------------------
Imar Spaanjaars
http://Imar.Spaanjaars.Com
Everyone is unique, except for me.
Author of Beginning ASP.NET 3.5 : in C# and VB, ASP.NET 2.0 Instant Results and Dreamweaver MX 2004
Want to be my colleague? Then check out this post.

Thanks.

How can you tell what programming language a windows application is programmed in? Are their specific file formats you can look for when your examining the folder in windows explorer?

Or is there another determining factor?

I don't know if there is a direct way to find out the underlying language / platform the tool was created in.

For .NET applications you could try loading them in a tool like Reflector and see if you get any useful information.

Cheers,

Imar


---------------------------------------
Imar Spaanjaars
http://Imar.Spaanjaars.Com
Everyone is unique, except for me.
Author of Beginning ASP.NET 3.5 : in C# and VB, ASP.NET 2.0 Instant Results and Dreamweaver MX 2004
Want to be my colleague? Then check out this post.