BlitzMax is a programming language developed by Mark Sibly as part of the Blitz Research family of languages. Released in 2004, BlitzMax is designed to be a modern, cross-platform, and modular language for developing 2D and 3D games, applications, and other types of software. It is based on the BASIC programming language, continuing the legacy of earlier Blitz languages such as Blitz3D and BlitzPlus, but extends the functionality to cater to more advanced and flexible development scenarios.
One of the key features of BlitzMax is its versatility. It allows developers to write code that can be compiled and run across multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. This cross-platform capability makes it a popular choice among indie game developers and hobbyists looking to target a wide range of devices. It also supports object-oriented programming, which is a step up from its predecessors, giving developers more flexibility and control over their code structure.
BlitzMax includes a powerful and flexible graphics engine, allowing developers to create 2D and 3D games with ease. Additionally, it offers support for sound, input, and networking, making it a well-rounded language for game development. The language is known for its ease of use, especially for beginners who are familiar with BASIC-like syntax, but it also has advanced features for experienced developers, such as multi-threading, OpenGL integration, and the ability to create dynamic link libraries (DLLs).
The modular nature of BlitzMax allows developers to include and exclude features as needed, which can help in optimizing performance and keeping projects lightweight. This, combined with its robust standard libraries, makes it a very effective tool for creating games and applications, especially in scenarios where rapid development is required.
Here’s a simple example of a BlitzMax program that prints "Hello, World!" to the console:
SuperStrict
Print "Hello, World!"In this example, the SuperStrict keyword enforces strict type-checking, and the Print function outputs "Hello, World!" to the screen.
BlitzMax has been praised for its performance and its ability to generate native machine code, which makes it suitable for real-time applications, including game development. Furthermore, the open-source community has kept the language alive through efforts like the BlitzMax NG project, which extends the language with more modern features and continued cross-platform support.
In summary, BlitzMax is a powerful, cross-platform programming language rooted in the BASIC family. Its simplicity, flexibility, and modular design make it a popular choice for game development, especially among indie developers and hobbyists. With support for object-oriented programming, graphics, sound, and networking, BlitzMax offers a comprehensive toolkit for those looking to create games and applications quickly and effectively.