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http://www.macnn.com/articles/08/01/02/futurebasic.now.free/

FutureBASIC released as freeware

updated 01:40 pm EST, Wed January 2, 2008

 

FutureBASIC now free


Staz Software has announced that its FutureBASIC integrated development environment (IDE) is available as freeware, but reassured users that work on the product will continue. "Does this mean that work on the product will come to a halt? Absolutely not," the company wrote in response to potential user questioning. "For starters, you will be able to download a revised editor that addresses problems with OS X, System 10.5." Staz says users will also be able to download a new translator under construction by the FBtoC team that will make FB code compilable with the gcc compiler. FutureBASIC requires Mac OS X 10.2 or later on newer Macs, or Mac OS X 9.2 or later on older systems.

"The first and foremost alternative to REALbasic is FutureBASIC from Staz Software. Although not cross-platform, its support of the Macintosh is very strong," the site reads. "Not only does it fully support both native Mac OS X and Classic PowerPC compilations, FutureBASIC continues support for 68K compilations, the only commercial compiler that I know of which still does."

FutureBASIC can compile applications that work on a Mac Plus running system 6.0.5 or later, and can compile native applications for Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger. REALbasic enforces strict object-oriented programming, but FutureBASIC allows for code written in a simpler and more structured approach common to most Basic programmers, according to Staz.

"For those who need to be jump started, FB also includes a rather large number of sample projects to start you off with."

FutureBASIC 4 includes a completely redesigned project manager, revised code editor, improved remark sliders that hide when not in use, files paths available via command-clicking in the menu bar, and more.


by MacNN Staff

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Comments

  1. MacScientist

    Junior Member

    Joined: Feb 2000

    0

    Great News, I Hope

    This is great news. Staz Software has been around a long time. I just hope that this is not the beginning of the end of the company. I also hope that this move puts some downward pressure on REALbasic's price.

  1. DaFrigN

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Aug 2006

    0

    I want my 50$ back!

    I want my 50$ I paid back in the mid-90s back! I bought it and I think I made 1 or 2 Hypercard XCMD/XFCN with it and that was it!!!

    On the other hand I could have put more effort into it... I was younger and even less patient then... I will check it out now, I didn't know they were still around!

    I hope Runtime Revolution makes a move like this soon before people forget that user centric development ever existed!

  1. mike3k

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: May 1999

    0

    Meh

    It looks like it's still living in the past. 68k or PPC but not x86 code generation, and carbon or classic.

  1. ynda20

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Jan 2008

    0

    Intel-Macs? Yes!!!

    Yes, FutureBASIC has been slow to get to Intel-Macs (Staz software was hit hard by Hurricane Katrina) but FutureBASIC does compile to Intel-Macs via Apple's (free) gcc compiler. Check out the link to FBtoC on the staz website. (FBtoC and gcc are invisible to the FutureBASIC programmer).

    Just think: BASIC programming and OpenGL graphics! (There's a ton of examples) Gzoinks! :-)

  1. aafuss

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Apr 2002

    0

    They still let you order

    Staz still has active lnks to a order site for FutureBASIC.

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