Date   : Sun, 02 Apr 2006 06:15:46 +0100
From   : Jon Ripley <jon@...>
Subject: Re: Basic & BBC Basic

Anders Carlsson wrote:
> On Sat, 1 Apr 2006, A.J. Davis wrote:
> 
>> We're contemplating teaching school pupils programming again,
>> and BBC Basic is the only Basic we're considering.
[snip]
> It is much easier to teach someone how to do it "right" if you don't
> have to un-teach them what they do "wrong". BBC Basic undoubtly was
> (one of) the best Basic in the 80'ties, but would it be adequate today?

Yes it most definitely would be adequate.  BBC BASIC has come a long way 
since BASIC I on the BBC Model A and has long been used by users of all 
ages and abilities, there are hundreds of professional programmers who 
write their programs in BBC BASIC and countless commercial applications 
developed in the language.

The latest version of BBC BASIC for Windows is a fully featured 
programming language which is capable of being used to develop 
professional Windows applications capable of anything developed in other 
languages.  The language has undergone significant enhancement over the 
years and supports many valuable new features which bring it in line 
with modern expectations for programming languages.

An excellent tutorial for beginners is available that is eminently 
suitable for teaching anyone the basics of the language.  BBC BASIC for 
Windows is certified by the National Grid for Learning

BBC BASIC for Windows:
http://rtrussell.co.uk/products/bbcwin/

An Introduction to Programming BBC BASIC for Windows
http://rtrussell.co.uk/products/bbcwin/tutorial/

Jon
-- 
http://jonripley.com/