Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the availability of BASIC programming packages that can run on Windows 11. Participants explore various options, including free downloads and alternatives to traditional BASIC, while sharing personal experiences and preferences related to different BASIC implementations.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants mention Visual Studio as a free option that includes Visual Basic, although it is a full IDE rather than a simple BASIC interpreter.
- FreeBASIC is highlighted as a viable option, with some noting its compatibility with legacy BASIC code.
- TrueBASIC, created by the original authors of BASIC, is mentioned as a paid option, with uncertainty about its current management.
- QBASIC is noted as still available for download, but requires DOSBox to run on modern systems.
- Participants discuss the oddity of downloading QBASIC from non-Microsoft sources.
- Some suggest that Python could serve as an alternative to BASIC, although it is not the same language.
- FreeDOS is mentioned as having a BASIC interpreter that could be run outside of its environment.
- There is a new programming language called twinBASIC that is compatible with VB6 and can run on Windows 10 or 11, which some participants find noteworthy.
- Concerns are raised about the potential for unmaintainable code in both BASIC and Python.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express a variety of opinions on the best BASIC options available for Windows 11, with no consensus on a single preferred solution. Multiple competing views exist regarding the relevance and usability of different BASIC implementations and alternatives.
Contextual Notes
Some participants note limitations regarding the availability of certain BASIC versions and the need for additional software like DOSBox to run older interpreters. There are also discussions about the historical context of BASIC programming and its evolution over time.
Who May Find This Useful
This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in programming with BASIC, those looking for alternatives to traditional BASIC environments, and users of Windows 11 seeking to explore programming options.