What is BBC BASIC Programming Language?

In brief, it is a programming language originally developed for 6502 based microcomputer Acorn BBC Micro manufactured in U.K. in 1981 .

It is similar to any other forms of BASIC Programming Languages developed during that era but more capable and advance in many ways.

In later version, it is embedded or included in  RISC Operating System developed for Raspberry Pi computer.

There are several programming languages that works in Raspberry Pi and one of those is Python which is much younger but more advanced and comprehensive than BBC BASIC. 

So, why use a vintage BBC BASICProgramming Language instead of Python? 

The answer is simple, BBC BASIC Programming Language remain the most easiest to understand, learn, edit, find 'bugs' and powerful enough for Robotics and Automation applications.

Many believed that BASIC Programming Languages slow in execution?

It used to be during the early stage of Personal Computer when the microprocessor is at its infant stage and operates in few megahertz clock.

So, not anymore now that microprocessors nowadays are far much faster than many decades ago.  The execution speed of BBC BASIC Programming Language program under Raspberry Pi is probably comparable or even better to C Language program run in an Intel 8086 computer.

In reality, you need to include FOR/NEXT loop delay values in millions in your BBC BASIC program to significantly reduce the speed of execution when controlling GPIO ports for activating relays, motors, solenoids and lamps or LEDs. BBC BASIC is fast enough that you can even employ this programming language for missile application, automation of  mechanical devices that uses servo, quick response mechanism, proximity and remote sensing.

In short, BBC BASIC can switch ON and OFF GPIO ports in the range of microseconds. Very ideal for home automation and robotics application.

However, BBC BASIC is not that fast enough for data acquisition and data processing of signals that occur in nano-second or pico range.