Technical Environment

Let me answer queries on what software  environment should be selected for a software project.

Most of the project  ideas shared here call for customized (fresh) development. Hence, my suggestion:

Environment for Customized development

Most software project will need some database and front end, hence it is good to go for following open source, free software:

a. Database: mySQL

b. Programming language:  SQL / Java / C / C++

c. OS: Ubuntu (Primarily knowledge is required on features for  installation of various s/w & packages)

Now a days, we like to host many applications hence, it is essential to know about

d. web-server: Apache

e. scripting language: Perl / Python / PHP

And, finally use some editor e.g.

f. Dreamweaver / NetBeans

You will be surprised that scripting language like Perl / Python provide a quick  tool for s/w development in most situations; and you may not standard programming language.

Software Engineering tools

Students will get chance to apply all their learning of various software development methodologies on these projects. Hence students should attempt ER modelling, DFD, decision tables, sequence diagram, Class diagram, normalization etc. to understand project requirements and design better. They will also get to know usefulness of different tools and issues in their use.

What about environments like ASP.Net?

Many times I have been asked about choice of ASP.Net.

My advise is select software language and DB that you are most comfortable with, if  there is pressure is  complete the project and demonstrate.

Projects provide opportunity to apply your learning and experiment. Hence, it is good to experiment with s/w that you may not be familiar but those are in demand (popular) so that you get some help in job interviews also.

In either case, you should observe ease and difficulty in building features and compare with other languages that you know.