Software

Ask something
Discussion Locked

Hiring a programmer

0 helpful
8 replies

by mrlaw10 1 view

Closed to new repliesThis discussion is closed. It stays readable, but it takes no new replies.
I am in need of a programmer here in the US that I can work with on a simple conversion of a DOS program to the windows enviroment. What is the best way of locating programmers? Addtionally, what would you programmers recommend for the platform of choice to do a small program on that should someone else have to take over or enhance the program?

8 replies

by jmgarvin

If it's a complicated app, a .Net programmer that knows C++ or C#. If it's a simple app, than VB.Net should work for you.

You might even be able to get away with simple scripting if you don't need a spiffy UI and you only need to run simple stuff.

So, basically to know what you need:
1) What is the app doing that you are trying to port?
2) Does it need a spiffy UI?
3) Does it need to be networked?

by mrlaw10

First thanks for your response. This program in my mind is simple database and word processor combination. I have reviewed the suggested rent a coder.com and like the format there. I wish I could find someone close to home and with Elance I got so many offers but all from India, Russia etc. I would find it hard to sell and support a product made elsewhere with no support of my own. Are there any local West Coast programming clubs that could direct me in the right area?

by jmgarvin

Since you are going to sell it, I assume you are going to support it as well...so you probably need a running contract with someone.

So, post an add on craigslist and see if that gets you anywhere...

by apotheon

You say what you need is a "simple database and word processor combination." What exactly do you mean by "word processor" in this context? Does someone need to write a word processor app like MS Word, WordPerfect, or OO.o Writer? Do you need to interface with an already existing word processor? Do you just need a text editor with text formatting capability? The answer to your question can vary greatly depending on this.

You said a simple application on DOS that just needs to get translated to a Windows environment. Assuming that's the case, and that you don't need to actually have a complete word processor application like OO.o Writer written for you, you might be able to get done what you need in fairly short order by getting in touch with someone via a Ruby User's Group or a PerlMongers group. You can find those in your area (or relatively close, anyway) via Google searches.

If you're looking for full-on complex desktop bloatware application development, you may need something more like a C++, C#, OCaml, or Smalltalk developer.

For something somewhere between the two, you could always go with some VB.NET hack, I suppose.

by dr dij

there are sites that specialize in this kind of thing. rentacoder.com is one.

you spec out your project, you can choose someone or put for bids.

you can use escrow at the site which means the program meets your needs before the pgmr gets paid.

programmers can be anywhere inthe world, their blurb shows location.

by unni_kcpm

1. Sketch out the plan of conversion i.e.
You need the exact replica of the DOS
program to Windows environment or
much enhancements in the area of
entry, data, reports etc.
2. What exactly the area of the project -
Client/Server or others.
If C/S a combination of VB 6.0/Access
will serve for a SMALL program or
little more bigger, a VB 6.0/SQL Server
will serve the purpose.
Of course most of us say, VB 6.0 is dead
but IT runs in majority of the area
still.
3. VB.NET and et al will make the system
more hungry and so are the issues.
4. Depending on above, you can very well
coders.

by unni_kcpm

1. Sketch out the plan of conversion i.e.
You need the exact replica of the DOS
program to Windows environment or
much enhancements in the area of
entry, data, reports etc.
2. What exactly the area of the project -
Client/Server or others.
If C/S a combination of VB 6.0/Access
will serve for a SMALL program or
little more bigger, a VB 6.0/SQL Server
will serve the purpose.
Of course most of us say, VB 6.0 is dead
but IT runs in majority of the area
still.
3. VB.NET and et al will make the system
more hungry and so are the issues.
4. Depending on above, you can very well
find coders.

by mrlaw10

These are great helps that all have posted here...thanks in advance. To express this in more detail I have completed a 170 screen shot presentation with instuctions on each step and action to the program. Addtionally I am completing a flow chart for an "overall view". The reason for the word processing is to be able to create reports and letters with merge points from the client database. I don't want to bridge into WORD but rather have a totally stand alone program.
B) I agree that I would love to have a "ongoing" relationship with the programmer (which also means a steady income stream for them) to both add changes (improvements) or even make a addtional web based version. This is the reason I would rather work with someone fairly local to enable meetings where we could refine the project.

I really appreciate all the time and input all have given above and I am going to try the local craigslist and rentacoder.

Thanks again!

This discussion is closed to new replies.