STAZ Software, which makes shareware and programming tools, has released FutureBASIC 3 Release 7, the latest version of their BASIC programming environment. The update now allows access to UNIX and to AppleScript routines.
Up to 256 UNIX channels may be opened at once. AppleScripts can be created on the fly, saved for later use, or run from pre-compiled collections. The IDE has also been fine-tuned to maintain the compatibility with Mac OS X 10.2 (“Jaguar”).
The new version of FutureBASIC also ships with a new book, “Switching to FutureBASIC,” that targets folks who already know how to program, but need to be brought up to speed on FutureBASIC’s specific syntax, Appearance Manager compliance, Carbon programming, or Mac OS X coding.
FutureBASIC has a suggested retail price of US$169 for individual copies and is sold by subscription. Upgrades are shipped on CD for a period of one year. Renewal costs $99. Reviving an expired subscription is $129. Updates for FutureBASIC II and I users are $149 until Oct. 31. Lab packs and site licenses are also available.