Imagesource: https://twinbasic.com/

BASIC is dead, long live BASIC. In a significant move towards preserving classic code, TwinBASIC, a modern BASIC compiler aiming for complete compatibility with all existing VB6 and VBA code, is making steady progress. This commercial venture promises to provide the 32-bit Windows version free of charge, while the 64-bit variant will either require a licence or will display a 5-second TwinBASIC splash screen at application start.

So why bother with 8-bit systems any longer, when you can now program for more modern architectures in your favorite language? 👹

Wayne Phillips aka @WaynePhillipsEA just released the current preview version, which supports the compilation of standalone EXE applications, ActiveX DLLs, and ActiveX Controls. Though in its nascent stages, most common VB language features are already complete. However, several elements still have limited functionality and are slated for future improvements.

As this modern compiler builds momentum, developers can track its development progress via its roadmap. The compiled code emitted by TwinBASIC is unoptimized native code, resulting in faster performance than VB6’s p-code compilation, thanks to it being native machine code.

While TwinBASIC introduces fresh compiler features and new datatypes, it also supports multi-threading. (Woohoo!) However, this feature will be officially unveiled once the language syntax to support it is added. It is also integrating LLVM for superior code generation. So – actually the perfect tool. Let's find a perfect problem.