PureBasic - What is it ?

Randy Walker · Post by **Randy Walker** » Wed Mar 08, 2006 2:27 am

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PureBasic

Opening statement on that page:
"PureBasic is a cross-platform compiler with syntax similar to the BASIC programming language."

Two points I'd like to make about this opening statement:

1. It is inaccurate and as such, looking at it as a perspecrive new user, I would have found it somewhat discouraging. In fact I would say more discouraged than inticed to read beyond that opening phrase.

2. I'm stupid and not too proud to announce the fact. Wiser than before, but at the time I was shopping for a suitable replacement for GFA Basic, the phrase "PureBasic is a cross-platform compiler" alone would have been enough for me to discard it as unsuitable.

PureBasic is NOT JUST "a cross-platform compiler" !!!!

I need to re-emphasise my ignorance here for a moment because I know others suffer the same obsticle. We don't always know the right question to ask so we often find it challenging to get the right answer.

I don't know how Wikipedia got this product description of PureBasic and I do not mean to criticize the effort, but I do not feel it does the product justice which is why I bothered to comment here.

In my ignorance I was looking for a "package" that included an editor and compiler so this opening statement in the Wikipedia description would have (in my eyes) been interpreted to be nothing more than a questioably versitile compiler.

I NEEDED AN EDITOR ... A COMPLETE PACKAGE ! ! !

PureBasic is all that and much much more, so in the interest of a more fruitful propogation of PureBasic into the market place, (I think) this opening phrase really should be modified if that is at all possible.

Maybe somehting along the following line?

"PureBasic sports an editor and cross-platform compiler with syntax similar to the BASIC programming language."

The reason for my confusion was that I was aware that "some" compilers do not require a dedicated editor. I didn't want to work with any half baked development tool and a "plain text editor of my choice" so a compiler alone was totally out of the question. PureBasic is a complete package (and more) and I think the Wikipedia description falls very short of making that point clear, up front and in your face. The way it needs to be to sell to the public, who in all instances suffur some degree of ignorance same as me.

Seems I may have seen this same opening desription line elsewhere but I don't recall where at the moment.

dracflamloc · Post by **dracflamloc** » Wed Mar 08, 2006 2:43 am

Could be a good idea

PB · Post by PB » Wed Mar 08, 2006 3:09 am

> I don't know how Wikipedia got this product description of PureBasic
> and I do not mean to criticize the effort, but I do not feel it does the
> product justice which is why I bothered to comment here

It originally said: PureBasic is a dialect of the BASIC programming language.
It was that way for some time, until someone changed it to PureBasic is
similar to the BASIC programming language. Then, it was changed again
to PureBasic is a cross-platform compiler with syntax similar to the BASIC
programming language.

I also agree that the original description was the best. Wikipedia is free to
edit so go ahead and change it back if you like, along with a brief comment
as to why. I can understand that the cross-platform capabilities of PureBasic
were wanting to be emphasised, but that is already mentioned further along
in the article where it says: PureBasic programs can be compiled for Microsoft
Windows, Linux, Mac OS X and AmigaOS [...] -- thus making the opening line
a bit obsolete, IMO.

Intrigued · Post by **Intrigued** » Wed Mar 08, 2006 3:19 am

Or... (format to your liking of course)

PureBasic - is a simple to grasp (think Basic style syntax) and powerful programming language that creates .exes and .dlls. PureBasic programs can run on Windows, Linux, Mac, and Amiga!

Although touted primarily as a game development platform, PureBasic is well adapted to handle simple to complex applications, including Web applications.

PureBasic allows for the ability to also code in ASM and even allows for the use of Windows API calls!

When it comes to plugins, add-ons, there are plenty third-party products to choose from. Also, several support Websites are available for the new and/or experienced user.

The PureBasic forums are active and support a daily dose of a wide variety of questions and feedback on pretty much any topic that may come to mind with regards to PureBasic.

Finally, once you buy PureBasic (low priced compared to other platforms that roughly equal PureBasic) you will receive lifetime updates for free! (must purchase PureBasic via the official Website for this offer).

Just an idea anyway.

USCode · Post by **USCode** » Wed Mar 08, 2006 4:46 am

PureBasic is a complete software development environment for the visual design, editing, compilation and debugging of Windows, Linux and OS X applications.

PB · Post by PB » Wed Mar 08, 2006 4:48 am

@USCode: I like, I like!

Joakim Christiansen · Post by **Joakim Christiansen** » Wed Mar 08, 2006 5:29 am

Just edited it

Kick my ass if you didn't like it that way!

PB · Post by PB » Wed Mar 08, 2006 6:18 am

@Joakim: Looks good!

USCode · Post by **USCode** » Wed Mar 08, 2006 6:45 am

We need to get an updated screenshot of the Visual Designer in there once Berikco has it completed. He's been cranking out the Alphas very quickly so it won't be long.

A nice screenshot of the new IDE would be nice in there as well.

chris319 · Post by **chris319** » Wed Mar 08, 2006 4:29 pm

PureBasic is a complete software development environment for the visual design, editing, compilation and debugging of Windows, Linux and OS X applications.

Very good, but you omitted a salient point:

PureBasic is a complete software development environment with syntax similar to the BASIC programming language for the visual design, editing, compilation and debugging of Windows, Linux and OS X applications.

Joakim Christiansen · Post by **Joakim Christiansen** » Wed Mar 08, 2006 4:34 pm

chris319: Damn, you're right!
Good someone fixed that

"The forthcoming PureBasic v4.00 form designer"
Is showing a picture of the old designer

PB · Post by PB » Wed Mar 08, 2006 9:02 pm

> "The forthcoming PureBasic v4.00 form designer"
> Is showing a picture of the old designer

I did have a pic of the v4.00 designer, but Berikco removed it as it wasn't
meant for public viewing at that time (sorry, Berikco). I'm sure he'll put it
back when he's ready.

chris319 · Post by **chris319** » Wed Mar 08, 2006 9:12 pm

chris319: Damn, you're right!
Good someone fixed that

You mean everybody's happy now? (FAINTS)

Should the word "forthcoming" be removed from the caption for the form designer?

fsw · Post by **fsw** » Wed Mar 08, 2006 9:37 pm

chris319 wrote:You mean everybody's happy now? (FAINTS)

NO NEVER

There is always room for improofment

Joakim Christiansen · Wed Mar 08, 2006 10:37 pm

fsw wrote:
chris319 wrote:You mean everybody's happy now? (FAINTS)
NO NEVER

There is always room for improofment

There is also need for improvement in your writing!

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PureBasic - What is it ?

PureBasic - What is it ?

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