The one key difference between BASIC and (python lua javascript & etc) has nothing to do with the language at all: modern computers don't boot straight in to a REPL. Anyone who used a C64 more than likely knows a little BASIC, can't say the same for naive Windows or Mac users.
Maybe the modern equivalent of "boot straight in to a REPL." is starting a browser, everybody and his grandma knows how to do that, and if that is done, Javascript is closer than any other programming language. I can imagine a default, browser based Javascript REPL just being one mouseclick away. that can be done and probably will be done sooner or later.
Cmd-Opt-J[0]. While easy to get to, it's not the same as being forced into a REPL every time you use your computer; you still have to know it's there, lessening the temptation to jump right in and break things.
[0] or insert browser/platform appropriate shortcut for JS console/debugger here
Agreed. Tandy Color Computer 2 for me (with Extended Basic ROM upgrade - Oh Joy!), but same deal. Natural transition from there to QuickBasic (not QBasic!) running on a 386SX and the world of compilers and runtimes. Between QuickBasic and Python there was a blur of other languages which I have mostly forgotten.
But were it now for the REPL, I would likely not be a programmer today.
