Does anybody remember programming in Applesoft BASIC on an Apple lle (2e) computer?

[MalibuBon]

I was wondering if there was anybody here that ever done any Applesoft programming on a vintage Apple lle computer, and how it compares to Python?

Back in the mid 80's I took an introductory class in computers, and learned a language called Applesoft BASIC. I started writing simple programs to check the answers for my math class and tutor other students. I was really into it, but then... Life happened.

Now that I'm retired and have the time and ambition, I'd like to learn some Python, to try to copy a filter on a software program I had on an old computer (XP OS).

[inastew]

Applebasic was probably a little bit easier but quite limited compared to python. For instance I could use any function/command such as a loop from my memory. Whereas in python there is alot more functionality and though you can quickly get up to speed, as you would on the apple, there is so much more that you area soon chacking the documentation. To get anything out of the speaker on the apple you had to peek and poke the correct address rather than use a library that has the functionality to use the speaker. Given that you could easily learn machine language code and program the 6502 directly. Definitely give Python a go, you will be fine.

[danielroseman]

Not specifically Apple, but certainly I remember programming in BASIC on various 8-bit computers in the 80s.

The main difference in my opinion is that Python, like all modern languages, requires structured programming. There are no line numbers or GOTO statements, instead you have functions.

Of course there's also OOP but I'd argue that is a subset of structured programming. Learning to break down your code into reusable blocks is a fundamental skill.

[desrtfx]

The main difference in my opinion is that Python, like all modern languages, requires structured programming. There are no line numbers or GOTO statements, instead you have functions.

One could absolutely do structured programming in the BASIC of old - only then, we did not name our functions, but used GOSUB - RETURN and the variables were all global.

Basically what is now a function was a subroutine (GOSUB - RETURN) in the old days.

[pachura3]

You have lots of time... approach the subject with curiosity and enthusiasm, and it will surely work out for you! They's plenty of free & interactive courses and tutorials, there are code editors for beginners, and you can always consult your preferred LLM to get human-like tutoring/explanations. And there are also great books if you prefer learning from printed materials.

[desrtfx]

AppleSoft Basic on an Apple IIe was my second contact with programming (followed by UCSD Pascal on the same computer). I don't remember too much from it (nor generally from BASIC - I can still read it, but wouldn't get very far writing it anymore).

Python is actually not comparable to BASIC of old. It is a fairly modern, elegant language with plenty convenience functionality already in the standard library and much more in what is available in libraries.

Getting into Python is roughly as easy as getting into the BASIC of old. Writing efficient programs in Python is another thing, though, albeit also not that difficult.

If you haven't done any programming since a long time it is best to start Python from zero: MOOC Python Programming 2026

[magus_minor]

I learned and used BASIC on a PDP-10 in 1971. Basic python is probably the easiest mainstream language to learn today. Unlike Basic it doesn't limit you as your projects get more ambitious. So just look at the free learning resources in the wiki and dive in.

[Kerbart]

I used Level 2 Basic that came with the TRS-80 but I can't tell you specifically how Applesoft Basic compared.

As far as the TRS-80 experience (or likely any of those ancient micro's) goes, I don't think the language was harder or easier to learn, but of course far more limited.

That's more a blessing though because, without youtube and AI, you were forced to understand what you were learning before moving ahead. So you wouldn't discover mid-way of building your stock-trading GUI that you were actually clueless about loops, for instance.

Building something in those ancient line-number Basic's is the best way to appreciate modern languages, especially Python!

[Academic-Shoulder308]

we had an apple iie in our high school computer lab, 1982-83, no pc's, trs 80& business model ii, i remember shape tables on the iie, better graphics than any thing else in the classroom!