Well, we've come to want so much from software
these days - APIs have become complex.
The nice thing about BASIC was that is was -
well, basic. Your API was fairly simple:
Keyboard, screen, some basic graphics modes,
some file I/O - and that's about it.
No complex multiprogramming OS APIs, no crazy
multi-language web APIS, none of that. It was
just simple and straightforward.
Alas, with the demand for multiprocessor systems
and huge server environments with fancy
virtualization and dozens of web languages and
APIs - I seriously doubt that we'll be seeing
such a simple language with a simple API being
used seriously again.
Acorn co-founder talks early computers
Summary
Acorn co-founder Andy Hopper told silicon.com that he believes the BBC Micro - with its easy to grasp Basic programming language - offered an experience that is missing today.
Topics
Andy Hopper is co-founder of the iconic Acorn Computers and currently head of the computer laboratory at the University of Cambridge. silicon.com's Nick Heath talks to Hopper about the BBC Micro, Acorn's early days and sustainable IT.
Introduced in 1981, the BBC Micro was a runaway success for Cambridge-based Acorn Computers, which anticipated it would shift 12,000 but went on to sell 1.5 million, with a BBC being the machine of choice for UK schools.
Acorn co-founder Andy Hopper told silicon.com that he believes the BBC Micro - with its easy to grasp Basic programming language - offered an experience that is missing today.
"I love the BBC Micro because of its open architecture, the way it was like a Meccano kit in the digital world, where you could make it into many things," he said.
"In a way it's too bad that the world has moved on. There is not an equivalent open platform today where you can construct something Meccano-style, for example to interest kids."
Read more of "Acorn co-founder talks early computers" on silicon.com.
Talkback Most Recent of 2 Talkback(s)
-
CobraA112th Oct 2009 -
I learned to programme on my BBC Micro
And I am still a software developer today.
How I miss the virus free days of instant switch-on and English spelling!
I do still have my Acorn Archimedes in a cupboard.
But then, my phone, DVD player and my iPod are Acorn's at heart (running the ARM chip)...
anthony_hunt13th Oct 2009
Talkback - Tell Us What You Think
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