I am interested in building a small, but obscenely complex database application. The application is to act as an overcomplicated calculator for the tabletop game Warhammer 40,000. I am curious on language/database suggestions. There is a program like this in existence for purchase at $40 a year. I would like to build a similar program for personal use (for both cheapness' sake and coding experience).
I am considering Java but I do not know how or which Database (type/system/etc) would go well with it.
The application itself isn't really that complex, but the amount of options is staggering.
In example, a Space Marine Commander may be added for 100pts. The standard bolt-pistol/chainsword combo may be replaced for a boltgun for free, a storm bolter for +3 pts, or a combi-weapon for +10pts (only 3 of 7 options). The armor may be upgraded, grenades (3 types) may be taken, or even replace the classification of the unit from normal to terminator armor (which unlocks a different array of weapon updates [3 sets of 3 weapon options]). On top of all of this, this is only for this specific unit. A game may include 2-3 of this unit, each of which may have unique equipment. As if that isn't exciting enough, he shares some of these upgrades with other units but not all (another HQ type of unit may carry similar weapon upgrades, but the standard foot soldier may take similar upgrades as well).
Started this in Visual Basic but due to poor grouping issues and database problems, I had to abandon it. It only handled 1/10th of what I needed it to do and was well over 2000 lines. The database setup was sloppy and I assembled the code poorly from start (as I was kind of using the piecemeal "code-as-you-go" approach).
Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!
Overcomplicated? Of course.
Is $40 worth the 100+ hours to learn and code this? Probably.
Is either of those going to stop me? Nope.
-Hate
P.S - Included picture!
