The Howdy Glossary

REALbasic was an object-oriented programming language created by Geoff Perlman and his company, REAL Software, which later became Xojo, Inc. The language facilitated cross-platform graphical user interface (GUI) development, allowing developers to write software for Windows, macOS, and Linux from a unified codebase. In 2013, the language was rebranded as Xojo.

REALbasic/Xojo stood out due to its cross-platform capabilities and object-oriented approach. It allowed developers to create applications for multiple operating systems using a single codebase, streamlining the development process and reducing the need for platform-specific adaptations. The language's syntax supported efficient development across different platforms while maintaining productivity. Its integrated development environment (IDE) featured drag-and-drop functionality for GUI design, simplifying the creation of graphical user interfaces and making it accessible to developers of varying experience levels.

Despite facing competition from languages like Java, C#, Python, and frameworks such as Qt and wxWidgets that also offered tools for cross-platform GUI development, REALbasic/Xojo distinguished itself through simplicity and ease of use. Its straightforward language paired with a user-friendly IDE enabled both novice programmers and seasoned professionals to build applications efficiently. This focus on accessibility combined with robust object-oriented features made Xojo appealing across a broad spectrum of developers seeking powerful yet easy-to-use tools for developing cross-platform applications on Windows, macOS, and Linux.