cies
BASIC was one of my first languages (after LOGO). I learned it as a kid (1988-1991).
I don't think it helped me much, in retrospect. It limited what I could create (programs were slow and limited in many capabilities) and it did not teach me a good programming style.
I wish I learned Pascal, SML or even C instead at that time. I just did not have access to compilers for those languages back then (it was on MSX hardware, a pre-PC).
pjmlp
There were some compilers for the Spectrum, but as far as I remember from computer magazines, they reduced the already tiny 48 KB RAM even further, so adoption was low.
lproven
Yep. I had HiSoft Pascal and HiSoft C for mine. Both integer-only.
If I remember correctly, 40 years later, I got run-length encoded monochrome image compression and decompression working in C, and a Conway's Game of Life with editor in Pascal, working using them.
Ah the nostalgia of seeing the mention of a 286 at the bottom of the page!