Learn QBASIC with Real Code Examples

QBasic provides a simple and interactive IDE for writing, running, and debugging BASIC programs.

Supports procedural programming with loops, conditionals, and subroutines.

Includes built-in commands for input/output, file handling, and simple graphics.

Ideal for learning programming concepts and logic before moving to advanced languages.

Programs are interpreted or compiled to simple executable code under DOS.

PRINT, INPUT for text output and input

FOR...NEXT, WHILE...WEND, IF...THEN for control flow

GOSUB and SUB for subroutines

Simple graphics with LINE, PSET, CIRCLE commands

CLS and SCREEN commands for basic screen management

Variable - storage for data (INTEGER, STRING, etc.)

Control Structures - IF, FOR, WHILE statements

Subroutine - reusable code block using SUB/GOSUB

Function - returns a value from calculations

Statement - single executable command in program

Main program file (*.BAS) - contains source code

Optional external data files for input/output

Subroutine libraries (if needed)

Executable (*.EXE) after compilation

Documentation files for program explanation

Open QBasic IDE

Write code using statements, loops, and subroutines

Run program in IDE to test output

Debug using IDE features like TRACE and LIST

Save program as .BAS file or compile to EXE

Beginner: Hello World program

Intermediate: Calculator or text-based game

Advanced: Simple file manipulation or drawing graphics

Expert: Mini DOS utilities with menus and logic

Educational: Algorithm exercises and learning loops

QBasic vs GW-BASIC: QBasic has IDE and structured commands; GW-BASIC older interpreter

QBasic vs Turbo Pascal: QBasic simpler, Turbo Pascal more structured and compiled

QBasic vs Python: QBasic DOS-based and procedural; Python modern and versatile

QBasic vs C: QBasic beginner-friendly; C low-level and faster

QBasic vs Java: QBasic procedural; Java object-oriented and cross-platform

1985 - QBasic 1.0 released by Microsoft

1988 - QBasic 1.1 included with MS-DOS 5.0

1991 - QBasic 1.1 bundled with MS-DOS 6.x

1993 - QBasic 1.1 included in Windows 3.1

Mid-1990s - Last widely used version; legacy status

BAS file - QBasic source code file

Variable - storage for data

Subroutine - reusable block of code

Statement - single executable command

IDE - interactive environment for writing/running code