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You might want to investigate True BASIC. It runs on the ST, PC,
Amiga and Mac. It is not cheap, but can be purchased for at
least 20% off list from some dealers (at least in Phoenix) and
through mail-order.
You can choose to use the specific interfaces available on the
individual systems, there are libraries for each that are system
dependant.
The compiled or ascii code can be transfered to the target
machine and used with no changes as True Basic provides its own
environment.
A runtime library/linker can be purchased to make the application
fully standalone, but must be purchased for each specific system.
The key point is that the application code does not change (only
machine specific code would change)!
Another very real advantage of TB vs. most other languages is
that it has a very good math library if you need it. Without a
FPP, using the savage test, TB runs the test at 233 (or so)
seconds compared to a PC running the same code (absolutly no
changes) in about 500+ seconds, no 8087, 8086 processor @ 7 mHz,
if memory serves.
It can also (and comes with the support to do so) be linked with
C or assembler programs.
The individual TB packages are:
True Basic System - Compiler, reference manual,
environment, complete with a
Trace function, code formatter,
extended math library and
sources to the libraries.
True Basic Runtime - Basically a linker with runtime
library.
Developers Library - Machine specific. For the ST
it includes GEM, AES and TOS
interface routines complete
with source code examples.
Sort library - VERY fast sort package along
with sources and examples of
other sorts implemented in TB.
String library - Includes a spell checker (and
dictionary) a runoff package
and advanced string functions
(all sources included).
Math library - Various stuff for those needing
10,000 places of accuracy.
Each library has a retail list of $49.95, the TB compiler and
runtime packages list for $99.95 and the Developers package lists
for $49.95. I've yet to pay list for any of TB product.
You must also remember that the libraries will work on any
supported system, thus they are a one time purchase. The
compiler/environment is specific, but you only need one. The
runtime package must be purchased for each specific system.
If you developing for a paticular market, TB gives you much
better access to that market.
Bob
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