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Thursday, September 14, 2006 12:00 AM

Why Johnny can't code

BASIC used to be on every computer a child touched -- but today there's no easy way for kids to get hooked on programming.
By David Brin

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  • Thursday, September 14, 2006 04:46 PM

    Alternative BASICs

    1). Try JustBASIC. It is a free download, and they have an active message forum. It puts me in mind of what QuickBASIC would have become in a Windows world.

    2). It'll cost a bit, but investigate the Parallax BASIC Stamp. There are arguably better implementations of the concept, but not as widespread or popular, and it will fit the bill both for learning a BASIC dialect, and getting close to the metal. You can pick up a starter kit at Radio-Shack (#276-625) for eighty bucks.

    —bwelker Read bwelker's other letters

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