(https://copilot.microsoft.com/)
B4X is so popular and therefore I asked Copliot this question：
Can you compare B4X with PureBASIC in detail?
Copliot professionally compares them:
Let's dive deep into a detailed comparison of B4X and PureBasic. Although both stem from the BASIC family—which means they share an emphasis on simplicity and a relatively accessible syntax—their philosophies, ecosystems, and target use cases diverge in meaningful ways.
1. Approach and Ecosystem
2. Syntax and Development Experience
3. Platform Support and Deployment
4. Pricing and Licensing
5. Community and Future Growth
Final Thoughts
Both B4X and PureBasic carry the DNA of BASIC, making them approachable while serving different practical needs:
B4X is so popular and therefore I asked Copliot this question：
Can you compare B4X with PureBASIC in detail?
Copliot professionally compares them:
Let's dive deep into a detailed comparison of B4X and PureBasic. Although both stem from the BASIC family—which means they share an emphasis on simplicity and a relatively accessible syntax—their philosophies, ecosystems, and target use cases diverge in meaningful ways.
1. Approach and Ecosystem
- B4X: B4X isn’t a single product but rather a suite of cross-platform RAD (Rapid Application Development) tools. It features:
- B4A (Basic4Apndroid), B4J (Desktop/Server), B4i (iOS), and B4R (Embedded systems like Arduino). This unified suite allows developers to write code that can be ported among different platforms with minimal changes—a strong plus for those aiming at mobile and multi-device applications.
- An active online community, rich documentation, and a vibrant forum environment where ideas, libraries, and even custom views (B4XUI) are exchanged. This community-based evolution makes it easier for beginners to find support and for experienced developers to push the technology further2.
- B4A (Basic4Apndroid), B4J (Desktop/Server), B4i (iOS), and B4R (Embedded systems like Arduino). This unified suite allows developers to write code that can be ported among different platforms with minimal changes—a strong plus for those aiming at mobile and multi-device applications.
- PureBasic: PureBasic is a standalone product known for its focus on creating highly optimized, native executables. Its highlights include:
- A design that caters primarily to desktop development (Windows, macOS, Linux), though it does offer limited cross-platform support.
- A philosophy centered on providing low-level system access while maintaining a relatively simple BASIC-like syntax. This enables developers to create fast and resource-efficient applications, often important in game development and system utilities.
- While its user base and community are dedicated, the ecosystem isn’t as expansive as B4X’s when it comes to cross-platform mobile or web app development.
- A design that caters primarily to desktop development (Windows, macOS, Linux), though it does offer limited cross-platform support.
2. Syntax and Development Experience
- B4X:
- Offers a clean, structured syntax that’s geared toward clarity and rapid development.
- The integration of a visual GUI designer (especially in B4A and B4i) simplifies designing interfaces for both mobile and desktop apps—reducing the friction typically associated with coding UI elements.
- Its event-driven programming model means that application logic is more intuitive for tasks like handling user interactions.
- Developers benefit from live code swapping in some B4X tools, meaning you can see changes in real time without the full compile cycle—a significant boost to productivity.
- Offers a clean, structured syntax that’s geared toward clarity and rapid development.
- PureBasic:
- Maintains a similar BASIC simplicity, yet its syntax is often described as more “low-level” compared to B4X. This can be beneficial in cases where developers need to squeeze performance or interact closely with system hardware.
- PureBasic’s design allows for highly optimized code generation. Developers are provided with many built-in commands that simplify handling windows, graphics, or even direct API calls.
- The language gives you a bit more control over system resources, which is ideal for those who want detailed hardware-level behavior and performance tuning.
- However, PureBasic’s development environment is generally more traditional—without the cross-platform, drag-and-drop interface conveniences found in B4X’s suite.
- Maintains a similar BASIC simplicity, yet its syntax is often described as more “low-level” compared to B4X. This can be beneficial in cases where developers need to squeeze performance or interact closely with system hardware.
3. Platform Support and Deployment
- B4X:
- Excels in its cross-platform approach. Whether you’re targeting Android, iOS, desktop, or even embedded devices, B4X provides tailored solutions under one umbrella.
- Its export options make it easy to deploy to a variety of platforms with relatively little extra work—ideal if your projects need to run on multiple devices from the get-go.
- Excels in its cross-platform approach. Whether you’re targeting Android, iOS, desktop, or even embedded devices, B4X provides tailored solutions under one umbrella.
- PureBasic:
- Primarily focuses on desktop environments, and while it can compile for multiple operating systems, it lacks the mobile and modern embedded support that B4X brings out of the box.
- The output tends to be lightweight native binaries that are particularly well-suited for performance-critical applications.
- Primarily focuses on desktop environments, and while it can compile for multiple operating systems, it lacks the mobile and modern embedded support that B4X brings out of the box.
4. Pricing and Licensing
- B4X:
- Comes with a mix of free and paid options, with an open-source spirit behind certain projects. The licensing model under Apache License 2.0 (or similar) for many components ensures that there’s minimal friction for indie developers and enthusiasts.
- Its free versions are robust enough for learning and prototyping, though professional use might benefit from the additional features available in paid tiers.
- Comes with a mix of free and paid options, with an open-source spirit behind certain projects. The licensing model under Apache License 2.0 (or similar) for many components ensures that there’s minimal friction for indie developers and enthusiasts.
- PureBasic:
- Is offered as shareware or commercial software (depending on the version and licensing terms at the time). Although it may require an upfront purchase, it’s a one-time cost rather than a subscription for many users.
- Some developers see PureBasic as a cost-effective solution for creating high-performance desktop applications, given its lean nature and minimal runtime overhead.
- Is offered as shareware or commercial software (depending on the version and licensing terms at the time). Although it may require an upfront purchase, it’s a one-time cost rather than a subscription for many users.
5. Community and Future Growth
- B4X:
- Benefits from a highly active and engaged community. The forums and online resources are frequently updated, with member contributions that improve libraries, share tips, and resolve issues.
- The approachability for beginners—combined with the power to scale to more advanced projects—has cemented its position within various programming and app development circles.
- Benefits from a highly active and engaged community. The forums and online resources are frequently updated, with member contributions that improve libraries, share tips, and resolve issues.
- PureBasic:
- Also has a dedicated user base, but its community is generally smaller and more niche, often focusing on performance-critical applications and game development.
- The historical longevity of PureBasic and its continued updates make it reliable, but the path for future growth is more incremental compared to the multi-platform, community-driven evolution of B4X.
- Also has a dedicated user base, but its community is generally smaller and more niche, often focusing on performance-critical applications and game development.
Final Thoughts
Both B4X and PureBasic carry the DNA of BASIC, making them approachable while serving different practical needs:
- Choose B4X if you’re seeking a unified, cross-platform development environment that lets you rapidly prototype (and then deploy) applications for mobile, desktop, and even embedded systems. Its visual tools, active community, and modern development conveniences make it compelling for a wide range of projects—from business apps to creative prototypes.
- Choose PureBasic if your focus is on performance and resource efficiency in building native desktop (and game) applications. Its more low-level control makes it the choice for developers who want to squeeze every bit of performance while maintaining the clarity of BASIC syntax—and who may not require the same breadth of cross-platform mobile support.