What is the difference between PL/i and Script Basic?
PL/i is a structured language that requires the use of begin/end blocks and also supports the use of structured variables similar to C++ or Java. Basic is not structured, and its variables are limited to numbers and character strings, or arrays of those. Basic is more “free form” and considered easier to use by someone already familiar with Basic. PL/i compiles to byte code similar to Java. It executes with good efficiency. Once compiled it cannot be reverse compiled, thus providing protection of your source code. Basic is semi-compiled, an approach common to Basic implementations. Programs are stored only in source form. When run, they are loaded and semi-compiled, then executed by interpretation. This means startup time is much longer for Basic than for PL/i. The other advantage of PL/i is that it is compact enough to be used not only in server based products, but in simply I/O products as well. Generally the same program that runs on an AddMe III programmable I/O device will run on
