Basic is a very powerful language as a tool for the novice programmer. Basic allows for a wide range of applications, and it has many versions. However, as long as the emphasis is on the techniques of programming and problem solving, the specific syntax is easy to follow.
Basic is a multi-platform language because many basic compilers use the same types of routines. Basic allows:
Loops
Input from the keyboard
Menu Driven Applications
System Commands - These are words that make the system perform a specific task immediately.
Structured Programming
Subroutines
Built-In Functions
User-Defined Functions
Arrays, sorting, and searches
Basic has many strong points, such as:
Easy to learn for beginners
Adds powerful additional features for the advanced user
Is designed for interactive use rather than batch work
Lends itself to learning by hands-on practical use
and is therefore suitable for both the professional and non-professional.
Hello World Example program
This program prints the phrase "Hello World" infinitely.
Sample code
10 PRINT "Hello World!"
20 GOTO 10
Sample run
Hello World!
Hello World!
Hello World! etc., etc....
Arithmetic Operations Example Program
This program performs basic arithmetic operations.
Sample Code
10 INPUT "ENTER TWO NUMBERS SEPARATED BY A COMMA:
20 LET S = N1 + N2
30 LET D = N1 - N2
40 LET P = N1 * N2
50 LET Q = N1 / N2
60 PRINT "THE SUM IS ", S
70 PRINT "THE DIFFERENCE IS ", D
80 PRINT "THE PRODUCT IS ", P
90 PRINT "THE QUOTIENT IS ", Q
100 END