What if there was no BASIC in EndBASIC? – by Julio Merino
3 hours ago
- #retro-computing
- #embedded-systems
- #programming
- EndBASIC is a retro-style BASIC interpreter that can run on the web, desktop, and embedded hardware, and has been in development for six years.
- The author is questioning the future of EndBASIC due to BASIC being an 'abandoned language', and wonders what the project could become without BASIC.
- Four key technical building blocks are identified: a pure compiler and VM, a portable console framework, an abstract virtual file system, and an embedded disk image builder.
- Potential future directions include continuing with BASIC, replacing BASIC with a real language like Lua, LISP, or Scheme, focusing on the core DSL capabilities, developing a BSD-based buildroot alternative, or integrating AI coding agents.
- The author is currently working on a core language rewrite and plans to add more features like graphics primitives and sound support, while remaining open to other ideas.