Slim420

I was wondering if anyone still uses any dialects of the BASIC language (mainly FreeBASIC).

Fox

Last time I used BASIC was in maybe 2000-something, and on a commodore 64. I would use it now for simple solutions if I could find a free compiler, but it's really just as easy to download Microsoft Visual C++ express edition and write something up. I can even use my goto statements, which apparently irritates the hardcore object-oriented programmers I talk to.

Deckard

I'm sure you've been pointed to Go To Statement Considered Harmful by Edsger W. Dijkstra.

I haven't used a BASIC for ~10 years (Visual Basic was the last). I have half-a-mind to fire up my C64 and tinker around with it again. Ah, Commodore BASIC 2.0. I miss those days.

Slim420

Yeah, my problem with Visual C++ is the whole non-microsoft OS i'm using (Linux). As for a free compiler FreeBASIC is the best in my opinion. I also use GCC for C programs, but I learned with BASIC and when I found FreeBASIC and found that it can accomplish anything C can (just regular old C, not C++)! You can use graphics libraries, pointers and alot more.

As for the Goto statement, I found that it is better to use Gosub if you can, or declare the sub and functions, and use them then. I try to stay away from using Goto as much as possible but still use it just as much as Gosub, but I'm getting better!!

Fox

I'm pretty sure GCC supports C++ as well, although I'm not sure. But I am also a fan of BASIC, even as much as today's hardcore coders hate it, as well as other line-by-line coding.

Slim420

Yes, GCC supports C++ (it's actually used as gpp). If you like BASIC then check out FreeBASIC, its based on compatibility with QBASIC but has alot more features. As for language's I use whatever I can to get the job done!!! I honestly wish there was an easier way to compile Python code. Then I think it would be more main steam language, rather than add-on and scripting.

Ether

Slim... sure, it can do most of what C can (though, not very many of Cs low level operations...), but it is a weak language in comparison. Good luck finding anyone using basic for any even mildly critical applications. It can't do everything C can, so you're not quite right there. Try inserting inline ASM into your BASIC, and see what happens.

Slim - goto isn't a good idea no matter how you look at it. Even non OO programmers will complain about it. :D

MattBro

BASIC is still popular amoungst beginners, it's a very simple language to learn. My only quarrel with it is that it tends to be used long past it's expiration date for the "learning process".

To be honest, those anti-GOTO advocates are just ignorant. Firstly, GOTO's scope is only a near jump within the same function, and secondly there really is no way you can cause any serious problems.

Fox

I agree. The only drawback is that it's not as readable as some of the other loops, which makes it possibly more difficult to maintain.

Not an issue if your solution is a "once and done" sort of thing.