Microsoft Small Basic: Difference between revisions
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'''Microsoft Small Basic''' (not to be confused with [[SmallBASIC]]) is a [[:Category:BASIC|BASIC]] compiler for the [[.Net Framework]], largely aimed at absolute beginners. It is an extremely simplified variant of the BASIC language, and can be thought of as a sort of "[[QuickBASIC#QBasic|QBasic]].Net". (In fact, its creator has called it a modern-day QBasic.) |
'''Microsoft Small Basic''' (not to be confused with [[SmallBASIC]]) is a [[:Category:BASIC|BASIC]] compiler for the [[.Net Framework]], largely aimed at absolute beginners. It is an extremely simplified variant of the BASIC language, and can be thought of as a sort of "[[QuickBASIC#QBasic|QBasic]].Net". (In fact, its creator has called it a modern-day QBasic.) |
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Desktop.SetWallPaper(Flickr.GetRandomPicture()) |
Desktop.SetWallPaper(Flickr.GetRandomPicture()) |
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Small Basic also uses some ideas from other languages, most notably Logo's [[wp:Turtle graphics|Turtle graphics]]. |
Small Basic also uses some ideas from other languages, most notably [[:Category:Logo|Logo's]] [[wp:Turtle graphics|Turtle graphics]]. |
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Note that although this is a compiler, the only way to actually compile programs is by running them from the IDE. |
Note that although this is a compiler, the only way to actually compile programs is by running them from the IDE. |
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Revision as of 20:14, 3 March 2012
Microsoft Small Basic (not to be confused with SmallBASIC) is a BASIC compiler for the .Net Framework, largely aimed at absolute beginners. It is an extremely simplified variant of the BASIC language, and can be thought of as a sort of "QBasic.Net". (In fact, its creator has called it a modern-day QBasic.)
Small Basic lacks some things that are found in most other modern languages -- such as functions (although subroutines are supported) and the ability to call external libraries -- but this lack is promoted as deliberate simplification, to avoid confusing beginners with unnecessary complexity.
On the other hand, the language has some functionality built in that is not seen in any other language. For example, the Desktop and Flickr objects provide (limited) access to the Windows desktop and Flickr, respectively. As an interesting side note, this allows for some interestingly short programs, such as this one-liner which sets the Windows wallpaper to a random Flickr image:
Desktop.SetWallPaper(Flickr.GetRandomPicture())
Small Basic also uses some ideas from other languages, most notably Logo's Turtle graphics.
Note that although this is a compiler, the only way to actually compile programs is by running them from the IDE.