Jabaco is a simple programming language with a BASIC like syntax that enables you to build powerful applications on the Java Framework.
Jabaco is:
A basic compiler:
You write sourcecode Similar to VB6 and with Jabaco you can compile it to bytecode which is similar to the output of the Java programing language.
An integrated development environment (IDE):
Autocompletion, code highlighting, object browsing, a GUI editor and other Modern IDE-stuff will support you in your tasks.
A debugger:
Start the project, step through your sourcelines, readout your vars, fix some bugs and continue the session without a restart.
An idea to do something different:
Jabaco must be much more than that to exist. It needs a lively framework and an active community - it is on you to decide.
A tool to create modern applications. A better replacement by keeping the Spirit of VB6 in the development process. Making it useable for experienced VB6 users. A modern IDE with a modern framework based on Swing. Make all the frameworks based on the Java technology (J2EE) useable for VB6 programmers and simplify the handling with Java for rapid development and prototyping.
The differences:
The output is certainly not the same - Visual Basic 6 creates native (or p-code) exe-files, which are using the runtimes of VB6, but these runtimes are only available for the Microsoft operating systems. Jabaco creates bytecode which is very fast and runs well on many operating systems. Most of the language is similar to Visual Basic 6, but I have enhanced some parts. E.g. Jabaco is completely object orientated, it supports threading and some other modern developments - I attempted to integrate some things better than other dialects. There are some limitations, but much more possibilities through the java bytecode. Its free to try so take full advantage of this opportunity.
