Another idea

[kryton9]

I was thinking about Java and how it seems to be the only real cross platform environment in reality capable of running on so many different platforms, from handhelds, cell phones and of course various computer OS's.

Could thinBasic be developed in Java thus allowing thinBasic then to be able to run anywhere Java could?
This could make thinBasic really different to all other BASIC's out there and really put it in a unique place.

If it is possible, perhaps we can assemble a team to start the port over, I am drooling at the idea of what doors this could open.

Added later: I guess the idea isnt unique, just found this site. Over 200 languages that can run on JVM.
http://www.robert-tolksdorf.de/vmlanguages.html

[ErosOlmi]

Ken,

well the idea is not bad but I do not think Java can be the road. An interpreted language (thinBasic) over a pCode language would be too much overloading.
If I will ever try such porting I'm pretty sure C would be my choice.

Also, before making such an important move (consider that just thinCore.dll is about 125000 line of our own code), I would like to make a market study about the possibility to have enough room and interest for another programming language and for what purposes. Programming in Windows we are already dealing with the largest possible market at the moment.

I'm also convinced that the more portable devices will improve their hardware, the more higher probability Windows will be present on them. We have already a lot of UMPC around able to execute Windows Vista. It is just a metter of time that mobiles phones will be able to run native Windows OS on them.

Ciao
Eros

[kryton9]

Eros that is a good point you make about devices probably having windows on it. I already made up my mind that current cell phones are too small to really be comfortable to program and develop on. I even played with the sub 5" screened devices and even they are pretty small. I think the 7 to 9" screened devices will be just right and you are right that they can run windows. So that is good news!