High Level Language Programming


Basic Language Programming

There are a myriad of high level program languages. Basic is one of them. The reason I have chosen GWBasic is because it is available to all Windows users. You need not go out and buy it or download it because it is probably already in your Windows folder. Locate it by using the "search files and folders" feature to locate the single file named GWBASIC.EXE

BASIC is an acronym for "Beginners all Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code". However, there is nothing basic about the power of this language. There is very little of the computer's functionality that the basic program cannot rattle. GWBasic; however, was created decades ago and does not have the finesse with music, graphics and software that Windows offers. Not surprising considering that there are few graphic operating systems that can compete with Windows. That having been said, GWBasic is an excellent program to get started with.

This small, simple, stand alone program can operate without Windows. It only requires a formatted disk with the elementary disk operating system. A floppy disk, formatted as a systems disk with GWBasic.exe on it can execute programs without even needing to use Windows. This can be very valuable for running programs from a floppy in the event the Windows Operating system has developed a case of the hick-ups. A valuable feature because GWBasic can run entirely independent of Windows. More on this will be discussed later.

One thing should be said before launching into the lessons: GWBasic is an interpreter. It is a program that reads either the keyboard or a text file to command the processor (computer). A set of instruction may be typed onto the keyboard and executed by pressing the RETURN (ENTER) key. These same text data may also be stored in a text file and run by the interpreter. In both cases, the GWBasic interpreter will interpret the commands and tell the computer how to execute these instructions.

Before this briefing becomes too boring, please explore some of the lessons that are provided below. These lessons will become an ongoing project. Eventually, many of the lessons will be presented by you, acting as both teachers as well as students.



These first lessons are elementary. You may wish to skip them.
Setting up Prepare the GWBasic platform
In and out First run on BWBasic
Immediate Mode Immediate or Direct mode
Programming Mode Finally, the programming mode
Save and Load Creating and Running Program files
Print and Input Creating an Interactive Program

Some programs you may wish to add to your GWBasic folder and run
Program examples Some programs to copy and run