When choosing an IDE (Integrated Development Environment) and GUI (Graphic User Interface) language for developing a small game, there are many different options. Two of the most prominent Integrated Development Environments for GUI development are the NetBeans IDE BlueJ Plugin and the Visual Basic IDE.
Visual Basic is an object based and event driven programming language. The Visual Basic language was derived from BASIC and allows programmers to create simple GUI applications and more complex applications. Programming can be done by visually arranging components and controls. Components and controls are organized on forms using a drag and drop technique. These components and controls contain default attributes and actions making a simple application easy to produce without writing many lines of code. To create more complex applications these default attributes and actions can be modified by rewriting the code associated with them. Visual Basic can create executable files, AxtiveX controls, and DLL files. There are many small games available for free online written with Visual Basic, from poker games, RPG’s, tetris, minesweeper, etc.
NetBeans is an IDE used for developing with Java, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, C, C++, and other languages. NetBeans is written in Java and can be used on any operating system with a Java Virtual Machine installed including Windows, Mac OSX, and Linux. The GUI design tool is a drag and drop based GUI builder. BlueJ is an IDE for Java and is primarily used for educational purposes but is also suitable for small application development. BlueJ is now available as a plug-in inside the NetBeans IDE. It assists BlueJ users in the transition to using NeatBeans, a more versatile and professional IDE.
Both Integrated Development Environments would be good for developing a Graphic User Interface for a small game. Yet, each has some advantages depending on the circumstances of your project. If you are proficient in Visual Basic I would stick with that. Many simple games are written in Visual Basic. They can be easily created, edited, and compiled into an executable file. The Visual Basic IDE’s user interface allows a developer to create a GUI with little to no actual code writing.
The NetBeans IDE’s BlueJ Plug-in also has its advantages. NetBeans can be ran on any operating system because it is a Java based application. Like Visual Basic, NetBeans has a very simple user interface. The implementation of its drag and drop capabilities make it easy to use with little code writing necessary. BlueJ allows a developer to see a clear layout of the application being written and its GUI. Also with NetBeans you can utilize many different programming languages.
As an owner of a MacBook, I would choose to use the NetBeans IDE with the BlueJ plug-in. My choice is mainly because it works with the OSX operating system, but I also like its ease of use and that it can help me transition to using the rest of the NetBeans IDE for more professional software development. Visual Basic seems like it would be great for the job at hand (developing a GUI for a small game), but I like that NetBeans is able to create more advanced and professional software as well.
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