Language to write a Windows application that doesn't take up a lot of space

Question

I need to write a Windows XP/Vista application, main requirements:

• Just one .exe file, without extra runtime, like Air, .Net; posstibly a couple of dlls.
• Very small file size.

The application is for network centric usage, similar to ICQ or Gtalk clients.

Answer 1

I would use Delphi and have a look at this. Delphi compiles into a single file executable, is easy to learn (object pascal), has a nice IDE and one of the fastest compilers available. And if you get Turbo Delphbi 2006, it is even free!

Answer 2

You can try: C++ w/ MFC. That's really going to be the only way you can seriously control the 'size' of your application (though why is that a constraint?).

If you want even lighterweight, you can try the Windows Template Library with C++.