The only implementation of BASIC for the Macintosh that is remotely similar to
"Rocky Mountain BASIC" for the HP9000 series is Microsoft QuickBASIC. There
are numerous differences, however, especially considering the machine-specific
details of each BASIC. Rocky Mountain BASIC uses many commands and parameters
that mean nothing to computers other than HP9000 systems. Likewise, Microsoft
QuickBASIC uses Macintosh-specific commands that do not exist on other
computers, as well as command syntax in traditional Microsoft BASIC style -- a
style much different than that of Hewlett Packard's BASIC.
They do share the important ability to use subprograms and functions, but the
method of implementing these is quite different between the two languages.
Microsoft QuickBASIC would give your customer a powerful BASIC, but porting
anything other than the simplest programs from Rocky Mountain BASIC will not be
a trivial task -- especially with programs that are I/O-intensive because these
tend to be the areas where the languages differ the most.
There are some definite benefits to using Microsoft QuickBASIC over HP's BASIC,
such as advanced debugging features (breakpoints and animated tracing for
source-level debugging) as well as the simpler mouse interface. Users can
quickly grow accustomed to the Microsoft QuickBASIC product, while Rocky
Mountain BASIC has a cruder interface and takes more time to master. Of
course, you are already using Rocky Mountain BASIC, so the change in
programming environment will be dramatic; to what degree depends on how
familiar you are with Macintosh user interface conventions.
If you need additional information on Microsoft QuickBASIC, we suggest that you
contact Microsoft directly. They should be able to provide more up-to-date
information and could, perhaps, assist in deciding if their product will fit
your requirements.
For more information, search under: "Microsoft"