I've built a BASIC interpreter with DOS-like features for the web
Hi everyone, When the pandemic started, I put QuickBASIC in front of my kids and could see them enjoy toying with writing some simple programs. Since then, I've been working on a side project to build a similar experience using modern technologies, with the goal of having a tool to teach the foundations of programming to (my own) kids. This is what EndBASIC is: is a retro-looking, BASIC interpreter with DOS-like features -- built for the web. The environment is designed to be minimalist in an attempt to reproduce the computing experience of the 1980s where the computers were simpler to…
What it does
In the maker’s words, at launch
Hi everyone, When the pandemic started, I put QuickBASIC in front of my kids and could see them enjoy toying with writing some simple programs. Since then, I've been working on a side project to build a similar experience using modern technologies, with the goal of having a tool to teach the foundations of programming to (my own) kids. This is what EndBASIC is: is a retro-looking, BASIC interpreter with DOS-like features -- built for the web. The environment is designed to be minimalist in an attempt to reproduce the computing experience of the 1980s where the computers were simpler to understand overall and simpler to program. The interpreter runs on the browser for simplicity, although it can also be installed natively on multiple platforms. Anyhow... I can't say I have reached that original goal of mine yet, but I've been having a lot of fun building this project. As some of you put it before in https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=25884859, this might be my "forever project". In fact, this has been a good playground to continue practicing Rust and to recently get into deploying a cloud service. I'll leave you with the project's new, shiny homepage page at: https://www.endbasic.dev/ and my latest blog post at: https://jmmv.dev/2021/07/endbasic-0.7.html that explains what's new in the latest release published this weekend. As for what's coming next... graphics support could be a great feature :) but I'm also open to ideas. Thanks for taking a look!
Does the same job
all alternatives →- PAPuffinBASIC – A cross-platform modern BASIC interpreter written in Java2020 · ▲36
GitHub: https://github.com/mayuropensource/PuffinBASIC BASIC (Beginners' All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code) is a general-purpose high-level language from the 1960s. PuffinBASIC is an implementation of the BASIC language specification. PuffinBASIC conforms most closely to GWBASIC. The purpose of this implementation is to learn how to write interpreters and resurrect an old programming language to work in modern ecosystem. The interpreter is evolving fast and in near future, I wish to apply modern interpreter building techniques to it. How it works? 1. PuffinBASIC's…
- EAEndBOX – A toy-like retro computer for EndBASIC2025 · endbasic.dev · ▲7
Hello HN! EndBASIC has been featured a few times here before (https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=31651881, https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=37495166), but today I want to show you something different that I've been working on for the past 6 months: the EndBOX. The idea is to create a toy-like device that: * boots fast into EndBASIC, * feels playful and hackable, * and is focused purely in experiencing (graphical / game) programming in simple terms. Just you and a BASIC command line---with some DOS touches. You'll find pictures and full details in the…
LunarBasic, a BASIC that compiles 2D games to native executables12d ago · lunarbasic.com · ▲6I built LunarBasic because I wanted a modern recreation of BlitzBasic from back in the day. I wanted it to have good step debugging features, and I wanted it to compile down to a native binary with no external dependencies. I do know there's an open source BlitzBasic out there but I wanted something simpler and more concise. It does have a "pro" feature set, but for the foreseeable future, anyone joining up will have the pro version in perpetuity (eg I'm not trying to sell anything here). It's early (v0.8.0). Would love feedback on the language design and compiler output, especially from…
- LPLearning Project: building an imperative language2020 · ▲36
Hi! I am doing a learning project, attempting to build an imperative language (and interpreter). The end product will be useless for others, I just want to learn and better understand how to build imperative languages. :) If someone else shares this interest and want to give some good hints on good resources I would be grateful. Currently I am looking at an awesome text by Bob Nystrom. All suggestions and tips on resources are most welcome. I am very much a beginner in this, but I find this topic very fascinating. Mail me or post links here! Cheers! You can try a beta version Online at…
- ILI Launched a “Fun” Web App for Developers2022 · ▲35
I strongly believe that every developer is a teacher and likewise. Every time you are asked to help someone else understand your code, you’ll always be grateful to be able to share your own knowledge with others. Explain Code App is the place you can make this happen! I am eager to hear your thoughts on what I have put together so far. Would love to hear your feedback! Let me know if there are any other features you would like for this site, I’m open for ideas and would love the community feedback. Here is the link: https://www.explaincode.app/
- WAWasmBots – A WebAssembly-powered programming game2025 · shaneliesegang.com · ▲5
I've been working on a browser-based programming game where you write bots to explore procedurally generated dungeons in any WebAssembly-compatible language. It's like a minimalist roguelike where your character's brain is a program you write. There are pre-made libraries for C, Rust, Zig, Go, and AssemblyScript. The game mechanics are intentionally simple for now, but the challenge comes from building up your bot's understanding of the world from limited local information. Your code needs to handle mapping, pathfinding, and strategy while dealing with monsters and potentially hostile other…
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