Overview
BlitzPlus provides developers with a complete 2D programming solution for the PC. Utilising a
BASIC/C hybrid language for use with its compiler, BlitzPlus is capable of creating any type
of 2D program, with minimal development-time and with minimal hassle. Just run the included IDE
(or use one of your own), type your code and your Windows executable file will be created, ready
to be run on any computer running Windows 95/NT 4 or later.
Language
BlitzPlus' language is a BASIC/C hybrid. As well featuring the classic BASIC constructs
such as goto and gosub, it also features C influences such as functions and types. On top of
this, BlitzPlus' command set features over 500 commands. This command set is highly streamlined
meaning complete programs require very few lines of code indeed.
2D Engine
BlitzPlus' 2D engine is based on 'pure' 2D blitting operations, as opposed to 'fake' 3D ones.
This has the combined benefit of allowing for pixel-perfect graphics, as well as allowing for
compatibility with virtually all graphics cards, 2D or 3D. The 2D engine itself is highly
capable, with the capability of performing thousands of blitting operations per second.
GUI Support
BlitzPlus' GUI support is implemented via an event-driven 'Gadget' system. Simply by adding GUI
gadgets to your program, and setting up a small loop which deals with program events, you
instantly have yourself a fully-blown application to compare with anything created by other
languages.
IDE
BlitzPlus comes with its very own Integrated Development Editor (IDE). The IDE allows you to edit,
test, debug and compile your program all from the one environment. If the included IDE is not to
your liking, then you are free to use the code editor of your choice, as the Blitz compiler
features command line capabilities.
Executables
Creating executable files (i.e. program files) in BlitzPlus is simply a matter of clicking a
button. Once you have done so, the executable will then be able to run on any Windows95/NT4
or later compatible machine independently of BlitzPlus. You are free to do with BlitzPlus
executable files what you want, with absolutely no restrictions or obligations with regards
to distributing them or selling them.
Documentation
Included with Blitz is a full and thorough documentation. All 500+ commands have their own help
pages, explaining what that command does, and most commands have their own examples too. There
are also a language reference and tutorials included with Blitz to help you get started.
Community
The Blitz community is a large and active one. Its main areas of activity are the official Blitz
forums on this site and the unofficial, but still busy BlitzCoder forums. Should you ever be in
need of assistance with your Blitz programming, or just want someone to take a look at your game
- these are the places to go.
Curious? Better check out the demo then!
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