Roadmap from 1.0 to 1.2

[EkBass]

BazzBasic Roadmap

Current version: 1.0 — Released February 22, 2026
This document outlines planned features for upcoming versions. Priorities and timelines may shift based on community feedback and development realities.

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Version 1.1 — Planned

JSON Support (Highest priority)

Full JSON integration that works hand-in-hand with the existing HTTPGET and HTTPPOST functions.

DIM data$
data$("name") = "player1"
data$("score") = 9999

' Convert array to JSON string
DIM json$
LET json$ = ASJSON(data$)

' Convert JSON string back to array
DIM back$
LET back$ = ASARRAY(json$)

' Load and save JSON files directly
LOADJSON mydata$, "scores.json"
SAVEJSON mydata$, "scores.json"

New functions:

• ASJSON(array$) — Converts a BazzBasic array to a JSON string
• ASARRAY(json$) — Converts a JSON string into a BazzBasic array
• LOADJSON(array$, path) — Loads a JSON file directly into an array
• SAVEJSON(array$, path) — Saves an array as a JSON file

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Gamepad / Controller Support

Joystick and gamepad support via SDL2 GameController API, giving BazzBasic programs access to modern and classic game controllers.

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Font Improvements (SDL2_ttf)

• FONTSIZE(size) — Change the font rendering size at runtime
• Support for importing custom TTF fonts (if complexity stays somehow manageable)

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LOADIMAGE with HTTP Support

A small but handy addition — load images directly from a URL without manual downloading:

LET sprite$ = LOADIMAGE("(https://example.com/sprite.png")

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Version 1.2 — Planned

DATA / READ Blocks

A modern take on the classic BASIC DATA statement. Instead of scattering DATA lines throughout the code, BazzBasic uses an explicit block syntax that encourages cleaner code structure:

DATA:
    10, 20, 30, "hello"
    5, 4, 3, "world"
    0, 0, 0, 1, 1, 0
END DATA:

' ... program code here ...

READ x$
READ y$

' If READ is called after all data is consumed, an error is thrown.

Design notes:

• No DATA keyword needed on each line inside the block — this naturally encourages indentation
• READ reads values sequentially
• RESTORE resets the read pointer back to the beginning
• Running out of data throws a clear, descriptive error (consistent with BazzBasic's strict error philosophy)

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Built-in ASCII Font

A hand-crafted bitmap font designed specifically for ASCII-art style graphics. Uppercase letters, numbers, and a generous set of special characters including box-drawing and corner pieces.

• 16×16 pixel sprites
• Distributed as a spritesheet, compatible with the existing LOADSHEET system
• Designed with the retro aesthetic in mind

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Not Planned (for now)

• XML / YAML support — Will be reconsidered if a compelling use case appears or if the community requests it
• JSON is sufficient for the vast majority of data exchange scenarios BazzBasic targets

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Community & Feedback

BazzBasic is a passion project built for retro enthusiasts, indie developers, and programming beginners.
Feature requests, bug reports, and general thoughts are always welcome!

• GitHub: https://github.com/EkBass/BazzBasic
• Homepage & Manual: https://ekbass.github.io/BazzBasic/
  Communities: https://ekbass.github.io/BazzBasic/communities.html

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This roadmap reflects current intentions and is subject to change. Development happens at a human pace — which is to say, mostly late at night with cups of coffee.