Learn Basic Programming with PowerBASIC Compiler for Windows
PowerBasic Compiler for Windows Free Download
If you are looking for a powerful and easy-to-use compiler for Windows, you might want to check out PowerBasic Compiler for Windows. This is a native code compiler that can create standard Windows GUI applications, as well as highly efficient executables and industry-standard DLLs. In this article, we will tell you what PowerBasic Compiler for Windows is, what are its features, how to download it for free, how to install and use it, what are its pros and cons, and what are some alternatives to it.
PowerBasic Compiler for Windows Free Download
What is PowerBasic Compiler for Windows?
PowerBasic Compiler for Windows is a product of PowerBASIC, a company that offers a selection of compilers and other tools for software development. PowerBASIC Compiler for Windows is a native code compiler for all versions of Windows, from Windows 95 to Windows 10. It creates standard Windows GUI (graphical user interface) applications, as well as highly efficient executables and industry-standard DLLs for optimum flexibility. The machine code generated by PowerBASIC is among the most efficient in the industry, both in size and speed.
What are the benefits of using PowerBasic Compiler for Windows?
Using PowerBasic Compiler for Windows has many benefits, such as:
It allows you to create fast and compact applications that can run on any version of Windows.
It supports both ANSI and Unicode strings, with automatic conversion.
It simplifies resource support by allowing you to add resource data inline, right in your basic source code.
It removes unreferenced code from the compiled program to minimize the executable file size.
It enables you to create client COM applications and COM components using Dispatch, Direct, Automation, or Dual interfaces.
It supports inline assembler with the full range of SIMD opcodes.
It includes a complete graphics engine and a printer package for Windows-only printers.
It supports dynamic pointers and thread local storage.
It provides extensive documentation and support.
How to download PowerBasic Compiler for Windows for free?
If you want to download PowerBasic Compiler for Windows for free, you can do so by visiting this link. There, you will find the latest version of PowerBASIC Compiler for Windows (v10.03), as well as previous versions (v9.0 and v8.04). You can also find the license agreement, the language reference, and the option to purchase printed manuals. Note that the free download is only for personal use. If you want to use PowerBASIC Compiler for Windows for commercial purposes, you will need to purchase a license from the website.
Features of PowerBasic Compiler for Windows
PowerBASIC Compiler for Windows has many features that make it a powerful and versatile compiler. Here are some of them:
Native code compiler for all versions of Windows
PowerBASIC Compiler for Windows PowerBASIC Compiler for Windows is a native code compiler that can create standard Windows GUI applications, as well as highly efficient executables and industry-standard DLLs. The machine code generated by PowerBASIC is among the most efficient in the industry, both in size and speed. PowerBASIC Compiler for Windows can compile programs for any version of Windows, from Windows 95 to Windows 10.
Highly efficient executables and industry-standard DLLs
PowerBASIC Compiler for Windows can create highly efficient executables and industry-standard DLLs that can run on any version of Windows. The executables and DLLs created by PowerBASIC are fully compatible with the Windows API, and can be used with any programming language that supports the standard Windows calling convention. PowerBASIC Compiler for Windows also supports dynamic linking, which allows you to load and unload DLLs at runtime. This can save memory and improve performance.
Support for both ANSI and Unicode strings
PowerBASIC Compiler for Windows supports both ANSI and Unicode strings, with automatic conversion. ANSI strings are 8-bit strings that can store characters from the current code page. Unicode strings are 16-bit or 32-bit strings that can store characters from any language. PowerBASIC Compiler for Windows allows you to use both types of strings in your programs, and automatically converts them when necessary. For example, you can use an ANSI string as a parameter to a Windows API function that expects a Unicode string, and PowerBASIC will convert it for you.
Simplified resource support
PowerBASIC Compiler for Windows simplifies resource support by allowing you to add resource data inline, right in your basic source code. Resources are data files that contain information such as icons, bitmaps, menus, dialogs, sounds, etc. PowerBASIC Compiler for Windows lets you embed resources in your source code using the #RESOURCE metacommand. This way, you don't need to use a separate resource editor or linker. You can also access resources from external files using the #INCLUDE metacommand.
Dead code removal
PowerBASIC Compiler for Windows removes unreferenced code from the compiled program to minimize the executable file size. Dead code is code that is never executed or used by the program. For example, if you have a function that is never called, or a variable that is never assigned or referenced, PowerBASIC will remove them from the final executable. This can reduce the file size and improve the performance of your program.
COM support
PowerBASIC Compiler for Windows enables you to create client COM applications and COM components using Dispatch, Direct, Automation, or Dual interfaces. COM (Component Object Model) is a technology that allows software components to communicate with each other across processes and machines. PowerBASIC Compiler for Windows provides a set of commands and functions that allow you to create and use COM objects in your programs. You can also create COM servers (DLLs or EXEs) that expose your own objects to other applications.
Inline assembler with SIMD opcodes
PowerBASIC Compiler for Windows supports inline assembler with the full range of SIMD opcodes. SIMD (Single Instruction Multiple Data) is a technique that allows you to perform the same operation on multiple data elements simultaneously. This can improve the performance of your program when dealing with tasks such as graphics, multimedia, encryption, etc. PowerBASIC Compiler for Windows allows you to use inline assembler code in your basic source code using the ASM...END ASM block. You can use any of the SIMD opcodes supported by your processor, such as MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSE4, AVX, etc.
Graphics engine and printer package
PowerBASIC Compiler for Windows includes a complete graphics engine and a printer package for Windows-only printers. The graphics engine allows you to create and manipulate graphics objects such as windows, fonts, brushes, pens, bitmaps, regions, etc. You can also draw shapes, text, images, etc., using various methods such as GDI (Graphics Device Interface), DIB (Device Independent Bitmap), or DDT (Dynamic Dialog Tools). The printer package allows you to print text and graphics to any printer supported by Windows.
Dynamic pointers and thread local storage
PowerBASIC Compiler for Windows supports dynamic pointers and thread local storage. Dynamic pointers are pointers that can be resized at runtime using the REDIM statement. This allows you to allocate memory dynamically and efficiently without wasting space or causing memory fragmentation. Thread local storage is a feature that allows you to store data that is specific to each thread in a multithreaded application. This can improve the performance and security of your program by avoiding global variables and synchronization issues.
How How to install and use PowerBasic Compiler for Windows
If you have downloaded PowerBasic Compiler for Windows for free, you can install and use it by following these steps:
System requirements
Before you install PowerBasic Compiler for Windows, make sure that your system meets the following requirements:
A PC with a Pentium or higher processor.
Windows 95 or later, including Windows 10.
At least 32 MB of RAM.
At least 20 MB of free disk space.
A CD-ROM drive (if installing from a CD).
A VGA or higher resolution monitor.
A mouse or other pointing device.
Installation steps
To install PowerBasic Compiler for Windows, follow these steps:
Run the setup program (PBWIN.EXE) from the download folder or the CD-ROM.
Follow the instructions on the screen to select the destination folder and the components to install.
Click Finish to complete the installation.
Optionally, you can register your copy of PowerBasic Compiler for Windows online or by phone.
Basic usage instructions
To use PowerBasic Compiler for Windows, follow these steps:
Launch PowerBasic Compiler for Windows from the Start menu or the desktop shortcut.
Create a new source file or open an existing one using the File menu or the toolbar buttons.
Type or edit your basic code in the editor window. You can use the Edit menu or the keyboard shortcuts to perform various editing operations. You can also use the Tools menu or the toolbar buttons to access various features such as syntax checking, code formatting, code completion, etc.
To compile your code, use the Compile menu or the toolbar buttons. You can choose to compile to an executable file (.EXE), a dynamic link library (.DLL), or a console application (.CON). You can also specify various compiler options such as optimization level, error handling, debug information, etc.
To run your compiled program, use the Run menu or the toolbar buttons. You can also debug your program using the Debug menu or the toolbar buttons. You can set breakpoints, watch variables, step through code, etc.
Pros and cons of PowerBasic Compiler for Windows
PowerBasic Compiler for Windows has many advantages, but also some disadvantages. Here are some of them:
Pros
It allows you to create fast and compact applications that can run on any version of Windows.
It is easy to learn and use, especially if you are familiar with BASIC syntax and commands.
It is compatible with 64-bit versions of Windows, and can create 64-bit executables and DLLs.
It provides extensive documentation and support, including online forums, tutorials, examples, etc.
Cons
It is not free for commercial use. You will need to purchase a license if you want to sell or distribute your programs created with PowerBASIC Compiler for Windows.
It is not updated frequently. The latest version of PowerBASIC Compiler for Windows was released in 2015, and there is no information about future updates or new features.
It has limited support for modern features and libraries. For example, it does not support .NET Framework, DirectX, OpenGL, etc. You will need to use third-party libraries or wrappers to access these features.
Alternatives to PowerBasic Compiler for Windows
If you are looking for alternatives to PowerBasic Compiler for Windows, you might want to consider these options:
FreeBASIC
FreeBASIC is a free and open-source compiler for BASIC programming language. It supports many dialects of BASIC, such as QBASIC, QuickBASIC, GW-BASIC, etc. It can create console applications, GUI applications, and DLLs. It can also interface with C libraries and produce assembly code. It runs on Windows, Linux, DOS, and Xbox.
PureBasic
PureBasic is a commercial compiler for BASIC programming language. It produces fast and optimized native code for Windows, Linux, MacOS X, and AmigaOS. It supports many features such as Unicode strings, inline assembly, OOP (object-oriented programming), database access, network functions, etc. It also includes a powerful IDE (integrated development environment ) with a debugger, a code formatter, a code completion, etc.
RapidQ
RapidQ is a free and cross-platform compiler for BASIC programming language. It can create console applications, GUI applications, CGI applications, and DLLs. It supports many features such as OOP, database access, network functions, graphics functions, etc. It runs on Windows, Linux, MacOS X, Solaris, etc.
Conclusion
PowerBASIC Compiler for Windows is a powerful and easy-to-use compiler for Windows that can create fast and compact applications and DLLs. It has many features such as native code generation, ANSI and Unicode strings, simplified resource support, dead code removal, COM support, inline assembler with SIMD opcodes, graphics engine and printer package, dynamic pointers and thread local storage, etc. It is compatible with all versions of Windows, including 64-bit versions. However, it is not free for commercial use, it is not updated frequently, and it has limited support for modern features and libraries. If you are looking for alternatives to PowerBASIC Compiler for Windows, you might want to consider FreeBASIC, PureBasic, or RapidQ.
If you want to download PowerBASIC Compiler for Windows for free, you can do so by visiting this link. If you want to learn more about PowerBASIC Compiler for Windows and its features, you can visit the official website. We hope that this article has helped you understand what PowerBASIC Compiler for Windows is and how to use it.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about PowerBASIC Compiler for Windows:
Q: What is the difference between PowerBASIC Console Compiler and PowerBASIC Compiler for Windows?
A: PowerBASIC Console Compiler is a compiler that can create console applications only. Console applications are text-based programs that run in a command prompt window. PowerBASIC Compiler for Windows is a compiler that can create both console applications and GUI applications. GUI applications are graphical programs that have windows, menus, buttons, etc.
Q: How much does PowerBASIC Compiler for Windows cost?
A: PowerBASIC Compiler for Windows costs $199 for a single-user license. You can also purchase additional licenses at discounted prices. You can order PowerBASIC Compiler for Windows online or by phone from the official website.
Q: Can I use PowerBASIC Compiler for Windows to create games?
A: Yes, you can use PowerBASIC Compiler for Windows to create games. However, you will need to use third-party libraries or wrappers to access advanced graphics and sound features such as DirectX, OpenGL, SDL, etc. You can find some examples of games created with PowerBASIC on the PowerBASIC Games Forum.
Q: Can I use PowerBASIC Compiler for Windows to create web applications?
A: Yes, you can use PowerBASIC Compiler for Windows to create web applications. However, you will need to use third-party libraries or wrappers to access web-related features such as CGI (Common Gateway Interface), HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), etc. You can find some examples of web applications created with PowerBASIC on the PowerBASIC Web Forum.
Q: Can I use PowerBASIC Compiler for Windows to create mobile applications?
A: No, you cannot use PowerBASIC Compiler for Windows to create mobile applications. PowerBASIC Compiler for Windows only supports Windows platforms. If you want to create mobile applications with BASIC programming language, you might want to consider other options such as Basic4Android, Basic4iOS, or GLBasic. dcd2dc6462