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What is PowerBASIC compiler for Windows v10 03?

By: Author Olin Wade (Remodel or Move Stuff)

PowerBASIC compiler is a programming language and integrated development environment (IDE) specifically designed for Windows application development. The latest version 10.03 was released in 2018 by PowerBASIC Inc. PowerBASIC provides a combination of a fast compiler, a simple language syntax, and powerful language extensions that make it well-suited for developing Windows GUI, console, mobile, web and database applications.

Introduction to PowerBASIC

PowerBASIC is a procedural programming language that has evolved over 30+ years to provide Windows developers with a balance of productivity, performance, and capability. Key features include:

  • Native code compiler for fast, optimized executables
  • English-like syntax which is easy to learn and read
  • Quick coding with powerful libraries and internal functions
  • Full access to Windows API and external DLL functions
  • Object-oriented subroutines for code organization
  • Backward compatibility with legacy QuickBASIC 4.5 projects

In addition to the core language, PowerBASIC provides an integrated IDE and compilers for creating console, Windows GUI, ASP web applications, Android mobile apps, and Windows desktop apps. It includes designers and libraries to help build user interfaces faster.

History of PowerBASIC

PowerBASIC originated in the early 1990s as an enhanced clone of the QuickBASIC compiler. QuickBASIC was a popular BASIC language compiler developed by Microsoft in the 1980s and early 90s for MS-DOS and early Windows programming. When Microsoft discontinued QuickBASIC in the mid-1990s, Bob Zale founded PowerBASIC Inc. to continue its development.

PowerBASIC 1.0 debuted in 1993 as a superset of QuickBASIC 4.5 and integrated IDE. Subsequent versions added features for 32-bit Windows API access, object-oriented programming, and COM/ActiveX support. PowerBASIC continued to evolve over two decades with the addition of GUI designers, database access, Windows mobile development, .NET interoperability, and web capabilities.

In 2018, PowerBASIC 10 was rebranded to PowerBASIC Console Compiler and PowerBASIC for Windows to distinguish the separate IDEs. The latest version 10.03 adds support for Windows 10, Hyper-V and Visual Studio integration.

PowerBASIC Editions

There are several editions of PowerBASIC tailored for different types of Windows development:

  • PowerBASIC Console Compiler: For building console, CGI and mini GUI applications. Includes text editor and command line compilers.
  • PowerBASIC for Windows: Full-featured IDE for Windows GUI application development. Includes GUI designer and compilers.
  • PowerBASIC for DLL: For creating DLLs, ActiveX controls, COM servers, .NET components, Windows services.
  • PowerBASIC Network Core: For programming Windows network core modules like Firewall Filter Drivers.
  • PowerBASIC Forms: For database and business applications development using native PB forms.

Each edition shares the same PowerBASIC language core but with different included features, designers and compilers tailored for that type of Windows programming.

PowerBASIC Compiler Features

The PowerBASIC compiler provides a number of key features for generating fast, optimized Windows executable programs:

  • Native machine code output: PowerBASIC compiles directly to X86 or X64 processor opcodes rather than interpretable byte code.
  • Multiple optimization levels: The compiler includes various levels of code optimization for speed or size.
  • Smart optimizer: PowerBASIC’s optimizer is aware of code context to produce efficient instruction sequences.
  • Processor-specific code: Can generate specialized MMX, SSE, AVX instructions for modern CPUs.
  • Dynamic translation: PowerBASIC code can be compiled simultaneously for different Windows platforms like x86, x64, ARM.
  • Recursive compilation: The compiler can re-invoke itself to create modules and DLLs.
  • Seamless API access: PowerBASIC provides complete access to the Windows API and external libraries.

These capabilities allow PowerBASIC developers to easily create fast-running Windows applications with a high-level language.

PowerBASIC Language Syntax

The PowerBASIC language syntax is designed for rapid Windows application development. Key elements include:

  • English-like keywords: Program instructions use natural English words like IF, THEN, ELSE, LOOP, WHILE, etc.
  • Intuitive variable naming: Variables can use long descriptive names.
  • Strongly typed variables: Variables have defined types like LONG, STRING, DOUBLE for error checking.
  • Implicit variable declarations: Variables can be used without pre-declaring datatypes.
  • Flexible subroutine calls: Subroutines can accept fixed, passed and optional parameters.
  • Smart default values: Uninitialized variables automatically get default values.
  • Automatic memory management: No need to allocate or free variables.

Together these features allow you to write concise PowerBASIC code that is easy to write and maintain. Advanced capabilities like pointers, assembler and direct API access provide full control when needed.

PowerBASIC IDE

The PowerBASIC IDE provides a central hub for managing Windows development projects. Key features include:

  • Multi-document interface: Edit and manage source code files for a project.
  • Syntax coloring editor: Keywords, strings and comments are syntax highlighted.
  • IntelliSense code completion: Variabes, keywords and API names are auto-completed.
  • Debugging tools: Step through code, watch variables and inspect stack.
  • Project builders: Configurable project makefiles to build EXEs and DLLs.
  • GUI designers: Drag and drop controls for building dialogs and windows.
  • Help system: Searchable help for language syntax, runtime library and Windows API.

The IDE provides a streamlined development environment for PowerBASIC Windows programming.

PowerBASIC GUI Development

For building Windows desktop applications, PowerBASIC provides Visual Designers to speed up GUI application development. Features include:

  • Desktop GUI designer: Drag and drop buttons, textboxes and other controls.
  • Dialog editor: Create and layout dialog boxes visually.
  • Menu designer: Define application menu bars, menus and menu items.
  • Toolbar editor: Design custom Ribbon and toolbar commands.
  • Resource editor: Design dialog templates, menus, toolbars in one place.
  • Language integration: GUI forms and controls map to PowerBASIC code.
  • Databinding: Bind controls to variables for automatic UI updates.

With designers, even complex GUI application UIs can be built visually with little hand-coding needed.

PowerBASIC for Windows Runtime Library

To speed up coding, PowerBASIC includes an extensive runtime library with built-in functions for:

  • File I/O operations like OPEN, CLOSE, SEEK, READ, WRITE. Compatible with Unicode filenames.
  • Directory management for MKDIR, RMDIR, FILEDATETIME, CHDIR, KILL and more.
  • Date and time functions like DATE$, TIME$, TIMEDATE, DAYNAME$, set timezone, format strings.
  • Math operations for random numbers, trigonometry, logs, exponentiation, bitwise operators.
  • String manipulation for concatenation, substring, replace, trim, case change and search.
  • Arrays and collections like REDIM, SPLIT, JOIN, DIM, ERASE and ARRAY sort, fill, enumerate.
  • Console I/O for COLOR, LOCATE, PRINT, INPUT, READKEY, CLS and BEEP.
  • Windows API for registry, INI files, error handling, memory and debug strings.

This large library saves time by implementing common tasks needed in Windows applications.

PowerBASIC Database Programming

For database access, PowerBASIC provides both client and server development options:

  • Native ISAM datastores: Embed PB/ISAM engine for standalone apps.
  • ODBC driver: Connect to external SQL databases like MySQL, Postgres, DB2.
  • ADO support: Use ActiveX Data Objects for accessing databases.
  • Native drivers: Specialized drivers for popular databases.
  • SQL engines: Built-in or pluggable SQL engines.
  • Database APIs: Access popular DBs using APIs like MySQL DLL.

Data-driven business applications can be built using simple file I/O or leverage full client/server SQL databases.

PowerBASIC Web and Network Programming

For Internet server-side programming, PowerBASIC offers options like:

  • PowerBASIC CGI: Generate CGI executables to process web form data.
  • ASP engine: Embed the PB/ASP engine for serving dynamic web pages.
  • PB/ISAPI: Extend IIS using PB DLLs and ISAPI filter DLLs.
  • HTTP APIs: Call WinHTTP API and 3rd party HTTP libraries.
  • XML support: XML parser and generator objects.
  • JSON support: Encode and decode JSON for web services.
  • Zip compression: Create and extract ZIP archives.

PowerBASIC also enables creating Windows services, COM servers, TCP/IP socket applications, and interfacing with networking devices and drivers.

PowerBASIC Mobile Development

For mobile apps, PowerBASIC can create programs for:

  • Windows desktop apps: Universal EXEs running on Windows 7 to Windows 11.
  • Windows Store apps: Modern UI apps for Windows desktop and mobile devices.
  • Windows Phone: Apps targeting Windows smart phones.
  • Android: Generate APK packages for Android phones and tablets.
  • Apple iOS: Limited support for creating iOS apps.

PowerBASIC utilizes cross-compilers to output apps for different mobile operating systems.

Interfacing Other Languages

PowerBASIC provides several options for interoperability with code written in other languages:

  • Dynamic link libraries: Call or create Windows DLLs which can be written in other languages.
  • .NET components: Reference and use .NET Framework classes and assemblies from PowerBASIC.
  • COM servers: Utilize COM objects created with Visual Basic, C# or C++.
  • Foreign language APIs: Import functions from standard C DLLs.
  • Inline assembler: Drop into X86 assembly language when needed.

This flexibility allows combining PowerBASIC with code written in assembler, C++, .NET languages, and more.

Licensing and Support

PowerBASIC is a commercial product sold on a per-developer licensing model. Tiers are available for individuals, small teams and enterprises. One license covers all PowerBASIC editions and versions. Maintenance plans provide free upgrades and priority support. A 30-day free trial is available for evaluation.

Technical support options include knowledgebase articles, community forums, email support, and priority live support. Training materials and books are available for self-guided learning.

Conclusion

In summary, PowerBASIC is a full-featured Windows programming language that offers a balance of productivity, performance and capability. Its fast compiler, straightforward syntax, comprehensive runtime library and visual designers help developers build a wide range of Windows applications quickly and efficiently.

Over 30+ years of ongoing development, PowerBASIC has evolved into a mature Windows development environment while retaining backward compatibility with legacy QuickBASIC code. Whether for a solo developer or enterprise team, PowerBASIC remains a relevant option for building modern Windows desktop, server and mobile applications.