[ Originally posted on Apple's Developer Discussion, reposted here as I wish to read more opinions on this ]
First and foremost, BASIC distributions are always in the demand as the language itself has an easy to use syntax that just about everybody can grasp as well as generally being easy to use [though that's rather dependent upon the distribution]. OO Basics are in even more demand as these tend to be RAD based, brimming with enough library support to make quite a number of applications, as well as being "fun" to use [though that's debatable in some cases]. Now to the point.
The other side has a good idea going with their "Visual" distribution: It's got simplicity, object-orientation, RAD-based, inter-mixable with their other development tools, and tied into the core of the OS [another debatable point but that's better left to their forums =].
So why can't we have ours? We've got the core suite of development tools and what would be the problem with adding an OO BASIC based on Cocoa to the mix? The language C [and family] is definitely a good place to go if one is looking to target multiple platforms and/or learn a highly portable language. It is my understanding however, that most developer's aren't looking for this. They are looking for a resolution to a given problem or just looking to make something for themselves. BASIC is notorious for allowing just about anyone with a few hours to start developing 'real-world' applications. C is quite notorious for requiring a few years to get a firm grasp on: Most people don't have that kind of time or dedication. With a new AppleBASIC, it'd be a great learning tool for Cocoa and other frameworks and help bring more people into the Mac development world; Programmers from the other side, novices looking for a start, as well as us 'seasoned' folks just looking for a break. Not to mention a fine starting point towards learning the other languages of PB/IB if one was to choose so as their would be no need to switch development environments and they'd already have a good handle on the technologies within.
I know there are several OO BASICs on the market for the PPC/Mac, REALBasic and FutureBASIC being at the top of those lists, with each having their oddities, costs, and user groups. I personally use at least one of these tools but find it's short-comings [yet another debatable point] a little too much and feel that the perfect people for making this 'user-friendly' language should be the very people who know the system best: Apple!
Just my two cents.
Regards,
~new32
First and foremost, BASIC distributions are always in the demand as the language itself has an easy to use syntax that just about everybody can grasp as well as generally being easy to use [though that's rather dependent upon the distribution]. OO Basics are in even more demand as these tend to be RAD based, brimming with enough library support to make quite a number of applications, as well as being "fun" to use [though that's debatable in some cases]. Now to the point.
The other side has a good idea going with their "Visual" distribution: It's got simplicity, object-orientation, RAD-based, inter-mixable with their other development tools, and tied into the core of the OS [another debatable point but that's better left to their forums =].
So why can't we have ours? We've got the core suite of development tools and what would be the problem with adding an OO BASIC based on Cocoa to the mix? The language C [and family] is definitely a good place to go if one is looking to target multiple platforms and/or learn a highly portable language. It is my understanding however, that most developer's aren't looking for this. They are looking for a resolution to a given problem or just looking to make something for themselves. BASIC is notorious for allowing just about anyone with a few hours to start developing 'real-world' applications. C is quite notorious for requiring a few years to get a firm grasp on: Most people don't have that kind of time or dedication. With a new AppleBASIC, it'd be a great learning tool for Cocoa and other frameworks and help bring more people into the Mac development world; Programmers from the other side, novices looking for a start, as well as us 'seasoned' folks just looking for a break. Not to mention a fine starting point towards learning the other languages of PB/IB if one was to choose so as their would be no need to switch development environments and they'd already have a good handle on the technologies within.
I know there are several OO BASICs on the market for the PPC/Mac, REALBasic and FutureBASIC being at the top of those lists, with each having their oddities, costs, and user groups. I personally use at least one of these tools but find it's short-comings [yet another debatable point] a little too much and feel that the perfect people for making this 'user-friendly' language should be the very people who know the system best: Apple!
Just my two cents.
Regards,
~new32
