C++ or Java

[EvanPSR65]

I haven't programmed for 15 years and want to do it for recreation with perhaps developing something for the amateur radio community. I previously programmed in assembler and C. I started studying Java since it seems like a great language for the web and Internet. It also has lots of info available on the web and can be downloaded for free. However, after two weeks or so of studying the language, I discovered that it is very difficult to access a USB port in Windows. I know it can be done if you are a real Java guru, but I'm hardly that just starting with the language. I want to access the USB port so that I can read and write data from my amateur radio. It seems that not being able to access a USB port is a real problem with Java since every new device -- gps, camera, etc., I buy talks to the computer and web via a USB port. So now I'm thinking to scrap Java and go to C++ since from the little I read concerning C++, accessing a USB port in Windows isn't too difficult using C++? I don't want to spend too much money since I'm just doing this for recreation with the hope I can create an amateur radio community application. I'm hoping that Java will work out but don't want to spend a lot of time with the language and find out I can't do what I want. Would MS Visual C++ be a good candidate if Java doesn't work out? Does anyone have an opinion concerning Java and the USB problem?

[helios]

Ditch Java. This kind of tasks is where C and C++ shine.

http://www.cplusplus.com/forum/articles/7263/

Why are you concerned about money, though? Programming doesn't cost money (other than electricity, obviously).

[gcampton]

If your referring to Visual C++ costing money, most windows programmers will tell you that it is awesome. But there is an express version that is free (only lacking a few things). Also there's other more portable IDE's like Eclipse, Code-Blocks, and NetBeans... yep they work for C++ as well.

[firedraco]

I've used the VC++ express/pro versions, and I haven't used anything that express doesn't have (at least not yet).

[cnoeval]

I use VC++ Pro at work and express (and Code::Blocks) at home. The only big difference I have to deal with is that I can't open big projects that link C++, C# and/or VB code in the express version. I'm sure there are other advanced features that are not included but its great for casual coding.

[lloydchristmas759]

Also, VC++ Express does not include MFCs. It's probably not a problem for the OP, but still worth mentionning.