What is NextBuild?

NextBuild is a set of Windows applications glued together to create a single integrated development environment for making games and programs for the Sinclair ZX Next computer. It can also be used to write software for the normal ZX Spectrum but the focus is for the Next.

NextBuild is intended for beginners and pros alike, its easy enough to pick up with little or no experience yet powerful enough to keep the more experienced devs interested.

V7 has now been released that tightly integrates into Visual Studio Code, with inline help on all keywords, code-snippets, NEX generation and cross platform. 

 The recommended IDE is now Visual Studio Code – Here is a quick video on how to set up for Windows :

Interrupts an AYFX demo

Classic BorIDE from v6.

Classic mode still supports BorIDE here with an example program

The goal of NextBuild is to simplify software development and reduce time spent debugging and testing. The idea is to keep is simple! So Nextbuild requires no installation and is a one-click run program!

NextBuild uses the following applications :

  • BorIDE – by LCD – an IDE that has been customised to work specifically with Nextbuild
  • Boriel’s ZXB – by Boriel –  A Windows/Mac/Linux compiler that uses a variation BASIC. The files are edited on your host machine and then compiled into machine code. ZXB allows the use of inline assembly and inclusion of user define libraries.
  • CSpect – by Mike Dailly – A windows dev emulator for the ZX Next, currently supports all of the Next’s features and a brilliant debugger
  • NextLibs – by David Saphier – The all important include that opens up ZXB to access the Next’s hardware features.

NextBuild also supports post compile options that help automate repetitive tasks, such as copying files to your Next, renaming files or executing any custom batch commands you may wish to run.

See this page for more links and info on the tools included.

The most important thing is to enjoy yourself and have fun!