Desktop application to utilize camera and scanners, C++, C#, or combo?

[draimann824]

I plan on creating a desktop application that utilizes external hardware such as cameras and scanners and captures pictures and scans for use within the application. Is using straight C++ the way to go, or would a mixture between C++ and C# be beneficial? (I heard they can be used in conjunction but is it more hassle than benefit?)

Is GUI development any better in one language over the other? I am hoping to be able to choose a language with less installation requirements for the end user.

I understand that certain requirements are placed on the end users computer depending on what you are developing with (I would be using Visual Studio 2012). Can anyone explain those requirements as well?

I apologize if this doesn't exactly fit into the general topic, but it will be crucial to how I prepare and research before I begin developing my program. Thanks in advance for any help!

-D

[Aceix]

If you want to make the app for windows, then I think you cn try the Win32API. It can be used with C++ and C too, I think and some others too.

Aceix.

[draimann824]

Thanks for the response Aceix. I am definitely looking to program the application for Windows, trying to make it compatible from early XP to present. I have heard that C# is better for GUI, but whether that just means faster for development or more effective development, I am unsure.

I figured C++ would fit the bill when trying to tie in usage of the external hardware devices, such as cameras and scanners (not just printer, but driver's license scanners as well), but I wondered if C# has the same access to drivers to handle those same operations.

The application I am looking to build will make extensive use of database operations (looking to use MySQL due to prior experience).

I have heard that C# can be used to build the interface and intensive operations could be handled by calls to C++ libraries, although it seemed they were supposed to be a bit 'ugly' as opposed to strictly using one language over the other.

It is my hopes that I don't constrain myself by choosing C#, as I truly don't know all of its capabilities, and C++ has been known to pretty much do it all.

In developing with either language, I am still unsure about the dependencies they require for end users. Programming with the Visual Studio 2012 IDE, would my end users have more requirements, such as SQL files or Visual C++ Redistributable files? C# apparently only compiles under .net...are the added dependencies much greater to run .net applications?


Thanks again for all input, it will all be taken into careful consideration and is very important to my future development!

-D