Mode:
Duration:
1
2
3
4
5
6
DIM time AS INTEGER = 0
WHILE time < 5
PRINT "Stopwatch: "; time; " seconds"
time += 1
WEND
PRINT "Done!"Coding works best on desktop or with an external keyboard.
Stopwatch - Gambas Typing CST Test
Stopwatch — Gambas Code
Simulates a stopwatch incrementing seconds.
DIM time AS INTEGER = 0
WHILE time < 5
PRINT "Stopwatch: "; time; " seconds"
time += 1
WEND
PRINT "Done!"Gambas Language Guide
Gambas is a free, object-oriented programming language and development environment based on BASIC, designed primarily for Linux. It allows rapid development of graphical, database, and console applications, with a visual IDE similar to Visual Basic.
Primary Use Cases
- ▸Developing Linux GUI applications
- ▸Rapid prototyping for desktop software
- ▸Database applications with MySQL, PostgreSQL, or SQLite
- ▸Educational purposes for learning programming
- ▸Small utility and productivity tools on Linux
Notable Features
- ▸Visual IDE with drag-and-drop form designer
- ▸Object-oriented extensions to BASIC
- ▸Database and SQL support
- ▸Multimedia and networking libraries
- ▸Cross-platform support via Linux and some BSDs
Origin & Creator
Created by Benoît Minisini in 1999 as an open-source alternative to Visual Basic for Linux.
Industrial Note
Gambas is primarily used for rapid prototyping, educational projects, and Linux desktop applications where cross-platform or Windows compatibility is not required.
Quick Explain
- ▸Gambas extends BASIC with object-oriented features and a rich set of libraries.
- ▸It includes an integrated development environment (IDE) with a form designer, debugger, and code editor.
- ▸Gambas supports GUI applications, database integration, networking, and multimedia on Linux desktops.
Core Features
- ▸BASIC-like syntax with modern enhancements
- ▸Classes, modules, and objects
- ▸Signals and slots for event-driven programming
- ▸Automatic memory management
- ▸Integrated debugger and GUI designer
Learning Path
- ▸Learn BASIC syntax
- ▸Practice Gambas console applications
- ▸Explore GUI development with forms
- ▸Connect applications to a database
- ▸Build complete desktop projects
Practical Examples
- ▸Creating a simple GUI calculator
- ▸Developing a database CRUD application
- ▸Building an event-driven form application
- ▸Networking with sockets in Gambas
- ▸Multimedia playback or image processing
Comparisons
- ▸Similar in syntax to Visual Basic
- ▸Slower than compiled languages like C++
- ▸Smaller ecosystem than Python or Java
- ▸Best suited for Linux desktops rather than cross-platform apps
- ▸Offers rapid development with a full IDE
Strengths
- ▸Rapid development for Linux desktop applications
- ▸Intuitive syntax similar to Visual Basic
- ▸Built-in IDE with GUI designer
- ▸Supports modern object-oriented programming
- ▸Active open-source community with extensions
Limitations
- ▸Primarily Linux-focused, limited Windows/Mac support
- ▸Smaller ecosystem compared to mainstream languages
- ▸Less suitable for performance-critical applications
- ▸Limited industrial adoption
- ▸Relatively smaller community and documentation
When NOT to Use
- ▸High-performance or large-scale applications
- ▸Cross-platform development beyond Linux
- ▸Mobile or web development
- ▸Enterprise-grade software requiring heavy support
- ▸Projects needing large community support
Cheat Sheet
- ▸PRINT 'Hello' - output text
- ▸DIM x AS Integer - declare variable
- ▸SUB MySub() ... END - define subroutine
- ▸CLASS MyClass ... END - define class
- ▸PUBLIC / PRIVATE - visibility modifiers
FAQ
- ▸Is Gambas free?
- ▸Yes, licensed under the GPL.
- ▸Can Gambas run on Windows or macOS?
- ▸Primarily Linux, limited support on other platforms.
- ▸Is Gambas object-oriented?
- ▸Yes, with classes, modules, and inheritance.
- ▸Does Gambas support databases?
- ▸Yes, MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, and ODBC connections.
- ▸Can Gambas create GUI applications?
- ▸Yes, using the integrated form designer in the IDE.
30-Day Skill Plan
- ▸Week 1: Gambas syntax and console programs
- ▸Week 2: GUI design and event handling
- ▸Week 3: Object-oriented programming with classes and modules
- ▸Week 4: Database connectivity and queries
- ▸Week 5: Complete GUI projects and testing
Final Summary
- ▸Gambas is a Linux-focused, object-oriented BASIC language and IDE.
- ▸Ideal for rapid development of GUI and database applications.
- ▸Supports modular programming with classes and modules.
- ▸Includes a visual form designer, debugger, and runtime environment.
- ▸Best suited for educational, prototyping, or small Linux desktop applications.
Project Structure
- ▸Forms/ - GUI form files
- ▸Classes/ - object-oriented code
- ▸Modules/ - reusable code modules
- ▸Resources/ - images, icons, and data files
- ▸Config/ - project settings and metadata
Monetization
- ▸Distribute Linux desktop apps
- ▸Educational and training software
- ▸Internal company tools
- ▸Open-source community contributions
- ▸Consulting and rapid prototyping services
Productivity Tips
- ▸Use IDE shortcuts for rapid coding
- ▸Design GUI forms visually
- ▸Reuse modules for repeated functionality
- ▸Leverage database connectors and libraries
- ▸Regularly backup projects and resources
Basic Concepts
- ▸Variables and basic data types (Integer, String, Boolean, Array)
- ▸Subroutines and functions
- ▸Classes, modules, and objects
- ▸Event handling with signals and slots
- ▸Database connections and queries
Official Docs
- ▸Gambas official website and wiki
- ▸Gambas 3 reference manuals
- ▸Community tutorials and guides