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.