Click here to read about SiMPLE in Wikipedia

Back in "the old days" (before Windows was around), there was a little computer called the "Apple-II". One of the nice features about the Apple-II was that it came with an easy-to-use programming language called "Applesoft BASIC" which allowed anyone to create their own software. Unfortunately, the Apple-II and its philosophy that "users should be allowed to create their own software" have virtually faded away... until now! SiMPLE is the reincarnation of that original philosophy. (Click here to read more.)

What Does a SiMPLE Program Look Like?

A SiMPLE program is merely a text file containing a set of instructions that tell your computer what you want it to do. (This text file is usually referred to as a "source listing".)

Before we look at an example of a SiMPLE program, let's first take a look at the famous "Hello World" program that almost all beginning C++ programmers write as their very first program. (C++ is another programming language that many "professional" programmers use.)

#include <iostream.h> int main () { cout << "Hello World!" << endl; return 0; }

Now let's see what that very same program would look like if it were written in SiMPLE:

Display "Hello World!"

Yes, that single line would be the entire program! (Perhaps you can now begin to understand why we call our programming language "SiMPLE".)

But let's take a peek at a somewhat more interesting and less trivial example. Below, you see the source listing for a SiMPLE program that launches a rocket through a field of twinkling stars. It then explodes the rocket when it hits a UFO at the top of the screen. (Don't worry if you don't yet understand SiMPLE programming. Everything will become quite clear by the time you've finished reading The SiMPLE Tutorial.)

Source Listing Do n = 240 To 25 stars @ rocket (320, 2*n, -3) @ ufo (295+n, 25, -8) @ delay (20) Loop n explode (320, 35) @ quit Append G: toys

(You wouldn't even want to see what it would take to write this exact same program entirely in C++!)

How Do I Run a SiMPLE Program?

SiMPLE provides you with a choice of two ways in which you can run programs. The easiest (and most fun) way is to use the "Drag & Drop" method. (Or, if you prefer a more traditional way, you can also run programs by using the old "Command-line" method.)

To run the above example program by using the "Drag & Drop" method, merely perform the following three steps (after you've installed SiMPLE):

Copy the source listing into the Windows Clipboard. Use any text editor (such as Windows Notepad) to paste the Clipboard into a new text document. Drop that text document onto the "SiMPLE" icon.

Now, isn't that easy? In fact, SiMPLE's "Drag & Drop" capability makes running a program as easy as "one-two-three":

1-Copy ... 2-Paste ... 3-Drop!

When I Download SiMPLE, What Do I Get?

SiMPLE is a complete easy-to-use software development system. When you download and install it onto your computer, you will get:

A full C++ compiler (which you don't even have to know how to use, unless you want to. )   Because you also get . . . The SiMPLE translator, which converts your SiMPLE source listings into C++ and then automatically runs them for you! The SiMPLE system library, which contains the "software building blocks" that you can incorporate into your programs. An "Append library", which contains even more "building blocks" for you to use (and into which you can place your own new "building blocks" if you decide to create some!) Built-in documentation that shows you how to use SiMPLE and all of its "building blocks". The ability to implement C++ statements in your programs (if you already know how to use C++) A folder (named "Samples") containing more than 30 example programs that have already been written for you: A folder (named "Games") containing some SiMPLE games: A folder (named "Tools") containing some useful utility programs:

... not to mention, years and years of enjoyment!

The philosophy of SiMPLE is "modularity"... creating programs by breaking them down into manageable "bite-size" chunks (or "software building blocks", similar in concept to the little "snap-together" plastic blocks in a LEGO construction set). By using such pre-written software modules (such as "rocket", "ufo", "explode", etc.), computer programming can become a "snap" for just about anyone! And, as your programming abilities increase, you will discover that SiMPLE even lets you create your own new software building blocks. For example, our SiMPAINT tool provides you with a fun and easy way of using your mouse to create your own new image modules that can be used with your SiMPLE programs. (And you can even give copies of your own new modules to your friends so that they can use them in their programs!)

Is SiMPLE only for kids? Definitely not! [We only say that it's "for kids" so that we don't scare away the adults! ] SiMPLE is not merely a "toy" or some watered-down "scripting" language. SiMPLE is a powerful software tool that everyone should know how to use.

SiMPLE is the computer "Volks-Language" of the twenty-first century!  And it's Free!!

So, start unleashing your creativity! Create your own computer art, music programs, data processing software, animations, sound effects, colorful screen-savers ... even your own computer games! With SiMPLE, there's almost no limit to what you can accomplish! And who knows ... you just might end up becoming the next "Bill Gates"! (Knowing how to write computer programs is how he got started!!!)

Take Me To The SiMPLE Homepage

[ Contact Us | FAQ's | Home Page | Forums | Webmaster ] © Copyright 2000-2012 SiMPLE CodeWorks, Inc. All rights reserved.