I know many of you enthusiasts have moved beyond BASIC programming but I myself (even if I'm skilled with common c programming), not being a hardcore developer, enjoy creating programs fast and easy with basic dialect languages. On the Classic Amiga we have both a Blitz Basic (no experience in this one) and AMOS and AMOSPro. Both have moved on to Windows and have evolved.
The AMOS creator have developed Jamagic. And the Blitz author have ported Blitz Basic to the win platform and Direct3D API. There is also alot of other fast and simple basics for Windows.
I think we need a new and strong BASIC for the AmigaOS4.0 which let you get into every strong API in the new Amiga in a easy way. I even think it should be an official BASIC dialect of the Amiga so all newcomers can get started with creating software without having to start at the steep end of the C programming learning curve.
However we put it, there will always be newcomers that want to try and make their first program on a computer. If there is no entrypoint for kids with no skills, they are likely to choose another platform where they can get started but if the new Amiga comes with a package that let you design your own first game with ease, looking at code to see how it's done and so on it might be a strong killer app. An app that will make people stick to their first computer they might get. The AmigaOne with OS4 and beyond. For todays computer newbies and for old timers like myself (being in my thirties) not having the time to code C as a hobby with all the extra effort it requires. Amiga is about having fun. Making your own programs in BASIC is fun as long as it's a strong dialect of it and it doesn't cripple you.
check out:
www.darkbasic.com www.blitzbasic.comhttp://www.clickteam.com/English/jamagic.phpWhat do you guys think or do you know of any plans in this area?
