Another one for the computer guys.......

[Penguinfan]

For some time now I have been wanting to put together a piece of thoroughbred handicapping software, and I think I have just about everything I need to get it together, with the gigantic exception of how to write a computer program, yes I could pay someone to write it, and in all honesty I probably will end up going that route, but I would like to learn how to program myself so I can make adjustments and updates when ever I feel like it.
What language is the best for this sort of venture, how difficult is it to learn such a thing, considering the following:

1. I have little knowledge in programming

2. It will have to import 3rd party data files and use them accordingly.

3. Be able to print out results and such.

4. POSSIBLY be made available for re-sale in the future.

For the time being this is just for myself and it is quite possible nobody will ever see it other than myself.

For you guys that reply can you also give me an idea what it cost to have a program like this written?

Penguinfan

 

[S-Love]

for personal use, I'd say MS Access may be the route to go as you can import data and set up a wide array of queries and reporting

can't help ya as far as software development goes

 

[ryson]

PF,

Did something similar for BB stats. Couple things to think about - how you want the data preseted (tabular, graphic etc), data retention for trending purposes, auto or manual stat correlation etc. If you still have my email I can hook you up, if not grab it from Mr. Jack.

 

[ocelot]

It's possible that a spreadsheet program will do what you want. Excel can do a lot of stuff. If you really want to get into programming, Visual Basic is a good start. If you REALLY want to get into programming then C / C++ will get you hardcore though you have to expect a bigger learning curve. There are books on all of these options to get you going but they usually won't anticipate everything you will run into or need.

Incidentally, I am a C++ programmer and would be willing to work on this in my spare time. If you are interested ask Jack for my email.

 

[Penguinfan]

Thank you gentlemen, I am determined to learn to write this program myself, however in the mean time I may ask one of you to write a VERY small program that will save me math time while handicapping. It would use somebody elses data files to calculate times within the races run that are not readily available in the racing form, does that make sense, would it be difficult? I have the structure of the data file already.

Thanks

Penguinfan

 

[ocelot]

Penguin,

If you provide an example of the input files, the calculations, and what you want for output it would be easy to write a program to output results to either a text file or to the screen. Get in touch and I'll see if I can help.