Hi Mike--

It would be good to note that the general algorithm you describe applies to all native code compilers. They convert source code to machine code which can then be executed. Some do it as a multi-step process... Compile Basic source to ASM source, then compile the assembler source to object code, then finally link the object code to the final .EXE file. Often, this type of process involves the use of additional external programs like an assembler and a linker, so the Basic compiler has much less to do.

Other native code compilers, like PowerBASIC, perform the entire process in a single step. Basic source is translated to machine code directly, at up to 20,000,000 lines of source per minute. That means a large application will usually compile in just a fraction of a second. That can make a big difference during debug sessions that we all have to endure. {smile}

One other quick point... I think that direct comparison of the speed of executable code generated by PowerBASIC to any other Basic will prove to be a real eye-opener for you. Check it out!

Best regards,

Bob Zale
PowerBASIC Inc.