1) Why is it crap? because you don't know it?
2) easier for whom?
3) far more powerful based on what?
4) asm will do the job properly, too, but I wouldn't suggest a beginner use it.
A tool is a tool. There's nothing MrDeb wants to do that requires switching to a different language.
I will answer this for him, mainly because when i started i started with swordfish.
Well i will list what i dont like then you decided if its crap.
1). the free version has some serious limits if you want to do anything serious code size for a start
2) mr deb would have been better with software pwm, in sword fish running 4 arrays isnt easy if indeed possiable
3) for around 18 months the developer vanished and stopped work on it, leaving bugs. he is back but working on a new baby.
4) support for a long time was via the community only.
Thats just for starters. With C you have way more control, and the ability to use inline assembly, some compilers are free with no code size limits. There comes a point when like it or not Basic just dosnt cut it. And there has to be a reason its call BEGINNERS All Symbolic Instruction Code.
name 3 things you can do with smaller faster more efficient code in swordfish, that you cant do in swordfish.
that will answer your question. If you just want really easy then go for flow code!
Mr deb dont get hung up on books, any C book will give you the basics, but best way is to start small and play around with it, the junebug was great for this