QBasic is a simple and easy-to-learn programming language that was developed by Microsoft in the 1990s. It is still popular among beginners and hobbyists due to its user-friendly interface and interactive nature. QBasic was used to create various applications, games, and utility programs for MS-DOS operating system.
The software used to run QBasic is generally referred to as an Integrated Development Environment (IDE). An IDE is a software application that provides programmers with a comprehensive suite of tools and features to develop, debug, and test their code. For QBasic, the IDE used is simply called "QBasic.exe".
The QBasic IDE is a standalone application that includes a code editor, compiler, debugger, and runtime interpreter. Users can type their code directly into the editor, and then press "F5" to compile and run the code. The compiler checks the syntax and semantics of the code, and generates an executable file that can be run on the same computer.
The debugger is a powerful tool that allows users to step through their code line by line, set breakpoints, and examine variable values in real-time. It is essential for finding and fixing errors or bugs in the code. The runtime interpreter is responsible for executing the compiled code and displaying the output on the screen.
QBasic can be run on any computer that supports MS-DOS or a compatible operating system, such as Windows 95/98/ME. However, since modern computers do not typically run on MS-DOS, users will need to use a DOS emulator or virtual machine to run QBasic. These software programs emulate the MS-DOS operating system, allowing QBasic to run as if it were running on a real MS-DOS computer.
Some popular DOS emulators and virtual machines include DOSBox, VirtualBox, and VMware. Users can download and install these programs on their modern computer, and then install QBasic within the emulator or virtual machine. Once installed, they can run QBasic just as they would on a real MS-DOS computer.
Overall, QBasic is a great programming language for beginners and hobbyists to learn the basics of programming. It is easy to use, and the QBasic IDE provides a simple and intuitive environment for writing and testing code. By using an emulator or virtual machine, users can easily run QBasic on their modern computer and enjoy all of its features and functionalities.