Vision BASIC v1.1 - Major Update - Commodore 64 Compiler !

[Marcio D.]

Vision BASIC v1.1 for the Commodore 64 has just been released:  https://visionbasic.net/vision-basic-1-1-has-arrived/

What's new:

- Support for GeoRAM as an alternative to REU, for the expanded RAM required to run Vision BASIC.

- Support for battery-backed GeoRAM variants (e.g. NeoRAM) to store a copy of C64 RAM, enabling instant access to Vision BASIC and loaded programs at all times.

- New commands in the add-on pack for accessing GeoRAM memory in your own programs.

- Custom NeoRAM cartridge available for purchase as part of a Vision BASIC package.

- Improved default Vision BASIC editor colors.

- Compile speed doubled when compiling on a C64.

- Compile speed quadrupled when compiling on a C128 in C64 mode.

- New commands: GSAVE, CATCH, ALLMOBS, DEF, POLL, LABEL.

- Existing commands improved: LISTER, BLANK, NORMAL, VIDLOC, PANX, PANY, PADDLE, VERSION, RND, RANDOM, BYTES.

- New format for user-defined commands to improve assembly language programming.

- Asterisk (*) now allowed for declaration of assembly program starting address.

- System clock no longer resets during program compilation.

- Filename length now restricted to 12 characters during program compilation to disk, allowing proper appending of file extension.

- SHIFT - RUN/STOP key combination no longer causes potential data loss.

- Overflow of variable information in designated RAM space is now detected.

- RUN/STOP - RESTORE delay implemented to avoid accidental exit out of Vision BASIC editor.

- Improved startup experience for PAL users unable to use the on-disk fast loader program.

- Variable names can now be of unlimited length, provided everything fits on a single program line.

- Vision BASIC manual now includes a command index.

- BUTTON command now supports the programming of 2-button and 3-button game controllers - e.g. joysticks, gamepads.


Featured Videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WY1t9qOR6Lw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onQlDP5YBIA

[Marcio D.]

An interesting offer has been posted on the Vision BASIC website.  The publisher is selling a batch of Vision BASIC v1.1 packages at an extreme discount, because the boxes and manuals are slightly damaged.  No floppy disks and no thumb drive are included.  You'll be downloading the software directly from their website.

From what I'm reading, the advantage of this 1.1dm clearance package over their 1.1e "economy" package is that the 1.1e manual is only 300 pages, while the 1.1dm manual is 352 pages long to provide the sprite editor content.

According to the publisher, buyers of this 1.1dm package will also receive a download of v1.2 for free when that update is released in a few months.  Also included is access to their private forum where you can interact with other users and the developer Dennis Osborn himself, if you'd like to receive or give help regarding Vision BASIC programming.

Worth checking out:

https://visionbasic.net/product/vision-basic-1-1-dm/

[intangybles]

Still not had a chance to look at this! I do very little with the C64... But I must have a look!

[Marcio D.]

Still not had a chance to look at this! I do very little with the C64... But I must have a look!

If you do very little with the C64 because you're not really into playing games made by others, Vision BASIC could change all that.  It's the ultimate BASIC development system for the C64 when it comes to natively programming on the machine.  There are so many delightful features to explore, making you feel like you've entered a wonderland of 8-bit programming.

I recommend the 1.1 Basic Package or the 1.1+ NeoRAM Package, as they include a strong high-quality product box to hold the manual and other items (disk, USB drive, cartridge).  The box looks fantastic on a shelf alongside other retrocomputing books and software.  If you're on a tight budget, the 1.1e (Manual + Digital) Package can't be beat, as it offers free shipping to anywhere in the world.

You're going to have a blast participating in the private forum, where you get to learn/teach/grow with other intellectuals who are on similar paths of discovery and mastery.

If you do decide to take the plunge, hope you come back here to tell us about your experience!

[intangybles]

Thanks for all the info, its more the fact that I got rid of all my C64 gear some years ago (only have a TheC64 now), not really a platform I work with much but I do use and have been returning to compiled basic  with the intent of porting my old CB80 BBS from the mid 80's - recently discovered backup!

Still not had a chance to look at this! I do very little with the C64... But I must have a look!

If you do very little with the C64 because you're not really into playing games made by others, Vision BASIC could change all that.  It's the ultimate BASIC development system for the C64 when it comes to natively programming on the machine.  There are so many delightful features to explore, making you feel like you've entered a wonderland of 8-bit programming.

I recommend the 1.1 Basic Package or the 1.1+ NeoRAM Package, as they include a strong high-quality product box to hold the manual and other items (disk, USB drive, cartridge).  The box looks fantastic on a shelf alongside other retrocomputing books and software.  If you're on a tight budget, the 1.1e (Manual + Digital) Package can't be beat, as it offers free shipping to anywhere in the world.

You're going to have a blast participating in the private forum, where you get to learn/teach/grow with other intellectuals who are on similar paths of discovery and mastery.

If you do decide to take the plunge, hope you come back here to tell us about your experience!

[Marcio D.]

Thanks for all the info, its more the fact that I got rid of all my C64 gear some years ago (only have a TheC64 now), not really a platform I work with much but I do use and have been returning to compiled basic  with the intent of porting my old CB80 BBS from the mid 80's - recently discovered backup!

Some folks thumb their noses up at the mention of THEC64, but I personally love that product for what it is.  I've got a Maxi and several Minis, and they're great.

Are you aware of the new C64 Ultimate?  They've already taken pre-orders of close to 6,000 units in the past couple of weeks.  What are your thoughts on it?

https://www.commodore.net/category/all-products