Dark Basic was a genius concept for its time, a fun and exciting way in for a n00bie at the turn of the century.
Dark Basic Pro was a giant leap forward, mere promise, but failed where it was most important, in its documentation system.
The broad concept we should agree on is that Dark Basic, as a programming environment, is both a language and set of tools to produce 3D entertainment, a task which it has struggled to fully achieve.
(Please excuse this segway into semi-competitor territory)
Last year I bought PureBasic (it too suffers from imperfect documentation), it can compile its code for use on PC, Mac & Linux as it uses a 3D engine called OGRE, an object orientated environment.
If you've ever read OGREs documentation, its an extraordinary leap forward in platform independant rendering, I'd nigh on say its conceiver is a visionary.
As the PureBasic help file says 'why reinvent the wheel'.
PureBasic already handles 2D, partial 2D & 3D, and fully 3D windows, has support for a wide range of variable types, is multi-thread capable and (I love this bit) it allows inline assembly.
So why bring up what others are doing?
You've already crossed paths with the PureBasic developement team and you're both trying to achieve a very similar thing.
It's time you collaborated with the PureBasic team to:
A) cut down rewriting time.
B) redevelope and standardize the BASIC language into the object orientated future.
C) diversify to open DarkBASIC up to other operating systems.
D) support multiple 3D APIs abstractly, the DarkBASIC programmer types the same DB commands and selects which API to use.
E) include the tools to create the media (3D files, materials, shaders, BSPs, prerendered lighting, networking, etc).
F) include complete physics, as it's expected of modern gaming.
G) open DarkBASIC up to PCs without dedicated 3D hardware.
H) allow creation and use of standard dialog boxes, menus, etc.
...and so much more.
Feel like you'll lose out financially by integrating all the plugins?
If the core software 'Studio' is all inclusive you can charge that higher amount of $150 maybe more.
And most of all, this makes the TGC family bigger and future proof.
Has anyone seen where I left my other signature?
I've already checked under the sofa.
Maybe the dog ate it...
