NaaLaa VS RCBasic

[luwal]

https://n00bcode.itch.io/rcbasic-basic-p...-for-games

NaaLaa and RCBasic are similar languages. Both languages are nice. How would you compare these two programming languages?

[johnno56]

RCBasic is my "primary" application for coding (or attempting to code... lol) games... I am biased when it comes to RCBasic as I have been using it for a long time and I am the moderator on the RCasic website...

How would I compare them? First, you are correct, in the fact that you stated that they both nice languages...

Naalaa and RCB are the languages I use the most. I am constantly trying to convert programs from one to the other. Both are relatively easy to use in both function and workflow.

I find Naalaa is slightly "quicker" than RCB and has a better "Help" system.

As I am not a programmer or developer, I cannot compare "how" the inner functions of either application works. The IDE's of both are relatively easy to use but I do like the "simple" feel of Naalaa's IDE.

Both are very good at creating 2D games. Naalaa has the advantage of have a host of libraries that can be "included". eg: a Tilemap library. A huge plus for platformers etc...

RCB is now implementing the use of 3D whereas Naalaa has been using that for quite some time.

Arrays and Tables. Ever since I started using Basic I have come to know and use arrays as they are intended. To be honest, I find the use of Arrays and Tables within Naalaa, somewhat confusing. I have difficulty in deciding if an array or a table is needed... and the variables that use "."'s and "this" confuse me to no end... but I suspect time and practice will help solve those difficulties.

Exporting games etc. RCB has a set of tools to output games to multiple platforms (Win32 and 64, Linux32 and 64, Web and Android)

Overall, I find both applications very good to use. Both are very similar in language and function. I would not have any problem recommending either to "hobbyist's" who prefer to code everything from the ground up.

This comparison may not be what you were after. My lack of knowledge, in either application, makes this description "superficial" at best. This is based on my current observations with both applications and should be taken as such.

I hope this helps.

J

[luwal]

RCBasic is my "primary" application for coding (or attempting to code... lol) games... I am biased when it comes to RCBasic as I have been using it for a long time and I am the moderator on the RCasic website...

How would I compare them? First, you are correct, in the fact that you stated that they both nice languages...

Naalaa and RCB are the languages I use the most. I am constantly trying to convert programs from one to the other. Both are relatively easy to use in both function and workflow.

I find Naalaa is slightly "quicker" than RCB and has a better "Help" system.

As I am not a programmer or developer, I cannot compare "how" the inner functions of either application works. The IDE's of both are relatively easy to use but I do like the "simple" feel of Naalaa's IDE.

Both are very good at creating 2D games. Naalaa has the advantage of have a host of libraries that can be "included". eg: a Tilemap library. A huge plus for platformers etc...

RCB is now implementing the use of 3D whereas Naalaa has been using that for quite some time.

Arrays and Tables. Ever since I started using Basic I have come to know and use arrays as they are intended. To be honest, I find the use of Arrays and Tables within Naalaa, somewhat confusing. I have difficulty in deciding if an array or a table is needed... and the variables that use "."'s and "this" confuse me to no end... but I suspect time and practice will help solve those difficulties.

Exporting games etc. RCB has a set of tools to output games to multiple platforms (Win32 and 64, Linux32 and 64, Web and Android)

Overall, I find both applications very good to use. Both are very similar in language and function. I would not have any problem recommending either to "hobbyist's" who prefer to code everything from the ground up.

This comparison may not be what you were after. My lack of knowledge, in either application, makes this description "superficial" at best. This is based on my current observations with both applications and should be taken as such.

I hope this helps.

J

You used simple words to make a very in-depth analysis, allowing people who have no idea about them to have a certain understanding of them. It is really an interesting comparison. It's very objective, which is really great. I just want to see this kind of unbiased evaluation and opinions. Sure. 

Thank you.

[johnno56]

You're welcome...

[Marcus]

If you want high performance, RCBasic is a way better choice than naalaa. It uses hardware accelerated graphics for both 2d and 3d stuff. Naalaa uses software rendering only, simply because that's a really big interest of mine. As far as I know, RCBasic also comes with 2D and 3D physics engines, which should make things a lot easier.


There really seems to be no point at all in using naalaa, but I'll do so anyway

[johnno56]

"No point at all?" That's a little harsh. It is my belief that you have done a wonderful job with Naalaa!! I enjoy using it. That's the only "point" that I need...

[luwal]

If you want high performance, RCBasic is a way better choice than naalaa. It uses hardware accelerated graphics for both 2d and 3d stuff. Naalaa uses software rendering only, simply because that's a really big interest of mine. As far as I know, RCBasic also comes with 2D and 3D physics engines, which should make things a lot easier.


There really seems to be no point at all in using naalaa, but I'll do so anyway

If you add the support for dynamic link library to future versions of NaaLaa, NaaLaa will become a very flexible software. Users will be able to use various game libraries! Such as Raylib. Raylib supports hardware accelerated 3D game. 

Perhaps a lot of new users will join this forum.   

Please consider!

[johnno56]

If you want high performance, RCBasic is a way better choice than naalaa. It uses hardware accelerated graphics for both 2d and 3d stuff. Naalaa uses software rendering only, simply because that's a really big interest of mine. As far as I know, RCBasic also comes with 2D and 3D physics engines, which should make things a lot easier.


There really seems to be no point at all in using naalaa, but I'll do so anyway

If you add the support for dynamic link library to future versions of NaaLaa, NaaLaa will become a very flexible software. Users will be able to use various game libraries! Such as Raylib. Raylib supports hardware accelerated 3D game. 

Perhaps a lot of new users will join this forum.   

Please consider!

These are "my" opinions based on my observations and limited experience with Naalaa...

I am curious. What kind of 3D games do you think Naalaa can handle? Simple ray caster games, like Wolfenstien 3D, can run quite well. Games like the old DOS versions of Doom may be a bit of a push but probably might work. Anything above that would probably require hardware accelerated rendering. That is something Naalaa just cannot do. You have to remember that, programs like Naalaa, are primarily suited for 2D games. It does that very well. Naalaa is probably designed for hobbyists. If you want a proper 3D game designed, then may I suggest game engines like, Godot, GDevelop, Construct3 or even Unity or Unreal. Adding all those libraries etc will not turn Naalaa into something that will create games that only engines can build.

A true developer will work within the limitations of the tools that are used.

J