3 ms·

Didn't a lot of computers back then just come with a BASIC shell, not any compilers?

• jhbadger 7y ago
  Right. But we are talking about how modern computers come with development systems too. While I'm sure the percentage of hobbyist programmers on modern machines is far smaller than in the 8-bit era, it's not like modern machines don't come with at least some development tools too.
  • jimmaswell 7y ago
    Yeah, that was my point. Saying it has to be a compiler is arbitrary.
    • fit2rule 7y ago
      It should be a compiler because that's the best way to write efficient, non-bloat software with your computer. All the other methods encourage bloat.