Excerpted from message dated 09-28-95, Steven Smith to All:

SS>Is there a BASIC complier for OS/2, that will allow me to compile
  >OS/2 native programs? If not, what would be the best language to use
  >for OS/2 Developing?

Steven--

    The only BASIC compiler that will _compile_ BASIC for OS/2 that I
know of is the no-longer-supported Microsoft BASIC PDS v 7.1.  This will
compile to native-mode OS/2 1.0 programs (text-mode only) which will run
under OS/2 2.x and Warp.

    There are at least two OS/2 BASIC interpreters available that are
GUI-application builders.  One is CA-Realizer (Computer Associates);
IMO, the OS/2 version is a poorly performing "visual" BASIC development
environment and interpreter (not-very-well ported from the Windows
version) that doesn't take advantages of OS/2's capabililties (both
versions are in the same box).  The other is Softbridge Basic Language
(Mystic River Software, Inc).  Softbridge Basic is purported to be
compatible with Microsoft's Visual Basic; I have never tried it. 

    There are several other languages available for OS/2 development.
You can pick any language that you are comfortable with, depending on
the applications you have in mind.  Many people use C or C++ (several
compilers available).  As you will note below, I prefer PL/I for OS/2.

    If BASIC is the only language you have used to date, I recommend you
learn REXX.  For one thing, it's free; it comes with the operating
system.  For another, there are many add-ons available to extend the
language; some are freeware, some shareware, and others are commercial.

    Hope this helps.

          --Murray

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 * MR/2 2.25 #120 * If it can happen, it will (Murphy)
                                                                           
          
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