Basic-256

Basic-256 1.0.0.0
Developer(s)	Ian Larsen & James M. Reneau
Stable release	2.0.0.11 / June 30, 2020; 3 years ago (2020-06-30)
Repository	sourceforge.net/projects/kidbasic/
Operating system	Cross-platform
Type	Programming language
License	GPL
Website	basic256.org

Basic-256 is a project to learn the basics of computer programming.^[1] The project started in 2007 inspired by the article “Why Johnny can't code” by David Brin, which also inspired the creation of Microsoft Small Basic.^[2] Its main focus is to provide a simple and comprehensive environment for middle/high school students to learn the basics of computer programming.^[3]

Basic-256 started as a simple version of BASIC: the code editor, text output window and graphics display window are all visible in the same screen.^[4] However, successive versions have added new features,^[5] namely:

• Files (Eof, Size) – Version 9.4d
• Mouse events – Version 9.4d
• Sprites handling – Version 0.9.6n
• Database functions – Version 0.9.6y
• Network – Version 0.9.6.31
• Real Functions and Subroutines – Version 0.9.9.1
• Maps (Dictionaries) – Version 2.0.0.1

Complete documentation is available in English, Russian, Dutch, Spanish and Portuguese.

See also

• Microsoft Small Basic
• Thonny
• Toolbox
• Kojo
• JUDO

References

External links

• Home Page – user manuals and tutorials
• Basic Book – Learn to program Basic-256 with a free Creative Commons e-book.
• Basic bits Blog – Short programs in Basic 256.
• UglyMike's Web Lair Archived 2021-03-03 at the Wayback Machine – Demos and Widgets.
• Basic 256 in Rosetta Code – Language chrestomathy (comparison) site.
• Basic256 at Escuela 31 – Class based Exercises in Spanish
• Basic256 German tutorial – German Tutorial (Public Domain)