Best Developer Tool For Interactive Ebooks?

I need to create a very simple desktop software application, but I just can't find the right tool to get the job done...

Here's the idea:

1. Basically, I want to create an ebook (text/graphic presentation) that also allows the user to fill out various forms with their details.

2. The information entered should be saved on their computer so it's available the next time they run the software. And the info entered should be available to the software (as variables that can be used anywhere inside the presentation.)

Does anyone know the best/easiest way to do this? I've been looking for a long time, but I'm completely stuck:

- Creating the interface/presentation in html seems like a good idea (easy to design) - but then I don't know how to save the user data on their computer or reuse it inside the presentation.

- The other option would be to use a more complicated programming language, but that really feels like overkill as it "should" be very simple to do. However, I still haven't found a solution that makes it easy.

I just need an easy way to present info in a nice interface, letting the user enter text where needed. These user details should be saved for future use, and also be dynamically used inside the presentation text.

It sounds very simple - but finding an easy way to do it is surprisingly hard. Does anyone have any ideas for what tool to use?

Thanks guys!

Martin

re: Best Developer Tool For Interactive Ebooks?

There are a number of confusing elements to your post, which prevent any meaningful answers.

• You mention first that you are creating a desktop application. Then you mention you are creating an ebook. Ebook is a generic term, and it’s not clear how that fits into your desktop application. Can you clarify what exactly you are building, and what the user is dealing with exactly.
• What’s this about a complicated programming language and the like?
• What sort of environment is this ebook and application being deployed in? Is it like they see an ebook online, or it’s a file that is downloaded, or what?

re: Best Developer Tool For Interactive Ebooks?

Thank you for your reply,

Ebook application: In this case I basically mean a collection of html pages, wrapped into a standalone exe file using html compiler software (usually called an ebook compiler). So it's software that runs on the user's computer, no internet connection.

The whole point here is to build a presentation (educational material) that's also interactive in that the user can fill in forms etc. inside the software and have that data saved for future sessions.

That part is the problem; There are plenty of html compilers available to make static "ebook" software - but the ability to save user data from forms inside the application, and use that data in the presentation, seems to be missing.

Basically what I'm asking is if there's a developer tool available that makes this easy to do... ('Easy' being the operative word.)

I can probably get it done with JavaScript and a few other tricks, but it would be a bit like reinventing the wheel if theres a developer tool already designed for projects like this.

I hope that clears things up. :)

Best,

Martin