The Ultimate Guide to the Top 5 Microsoft Basic Versions of All Time

Created 3 June 2023

Introduction

Welcome to the exciting world of retrocomputing! In this article, we embark on a journey through time to explore the fascinating realm of Microsoft BASIC and its significant impact on the computer industry. Microsoft BASIC, developed by Microsoft co-founders Bill Gates and Paul Allen, played a pivotal role in shaping the early days of personal computing.

But why are there different versions of Microsoft BASIC? Well, as technology evolved and new platforms emerged, Microsoft adapted their BASIC interpreter to cater to the unique capabilities and requirements of each system. This resulted in a diverse range of Microsoft BASIC versions, each with its own distinct features and optimizations.

Now, let's dive into my top 5 favorite versions of Microsoft BASIC. These choices are based on my personal experiences and fond memories of using these versions during the golden era of computing. Topping the list is Altair BASIC, the revolutionary interpreter that made Microsoft a household name among early microcomputer enthusiasts. Its simplicity and power set the stage for the future of BASIC programming.

Next up is Commodore Basic v2.0 for the Commodore 64, which holds a special place in the hearts of countless home computer users. Its user-friendly syntax and extensive capabilities made it a favorite among budding programmers and gaming enthusiasts alike.

AmigaBASIC takes the third spot, showcasing Microsoft's foray into the world of multimedia computing. With advanced features and support for rich graphics and sound, AmigaBASIC opened up new possibilities for creative expression on the Amiga platform.

At number four is QBASIC, a beloved version that became a gateway for many aspiring programmers. Its intuitive interface and built-in tutorials made it an ideal learning tool, nurturing the programming skills of countless enthusiasts.

Last but not least, we have VisualBASIC, a groundbreaking version that transformed programming into a visual and interactive experience. With its drag-and-drop interface and rapid development capabilities, VisualBASIC revolutionized software development and empowered a new generation of programmers.

So join me as we explore the intricacies of these top 5 Microsoft BASIC versions, reliving the excitement of early computing and celebrating the enduring impact of Microsoft BASIC on the computer industry. Get ready to immerse yourself in the nostalgia and wonder of retrocomputing!

1  Altair BASIC

Ah, Altair BASIC, the venerable interpreter that kickstarted the microcomputer revolution! Developed by Microsoft founders Bill Gates and Paul Allen, Altair BASIC holds a special place in the annals of computing history. Let's take a closer look at its captivating story and profound impact.

In the mid-1970s, the Altair 8800, a pioneering microcomputer kit, emerged as a symbol of the burgeoning personal computer industry. Recognizing its potential, Gates and Allen seized the opportunity to create a programming language that would bring the Altair to life. Thus, Altair BASIC was born, marking Microsoft's first significant commercial success.

Altair BASIC's significance lies not only in its technical achievements but also in its role as a catalyst for widespread microcomputer adoption. It offered a user-friendly and accessible programming environment, enabling users with minimal programming experience to write and run their own software on the Altair. This democratization of programming sparked a wave of innovation and empowered individuals to explore the vast possibilities of the microcomputer revolution.

One of Altair BASIC's key features was its simplicity. It utilized a line-numbered structure and a straightforward syntax, making it easy for users to understand and write code. Furthermore, it introduced the concept of interactive computing, allowing users to enter and execute commands in real-time—a revolutionary concept at the time.

Altair BASIC's contributions to the early microcomputer era cannot be overstated. It played a pivotal role in popularizing the Altair 8800 and other early microcomputers, driving their adoption by hobbyists, enthusiasts, and even businesses. Its availability and affordability made it accessible to a wide range of users, fueling the growth of the microcomputer industry and setting the stage for the future of personal computing.

Beyond its immediate impact, Altair BASIC also laid the foundation for Microsoft's future success. The licensing of Altair BASIC to Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems (MITS), the company behind the Altair 8800, marked Microsoft's first major software contract. This pivotal moment propelled Microsoft into the software business, paving the way for its growth and eventual dominance in the industry.

Altair BASIC remains a testament to the pioneering spirit of the early microcomputer era. It embodies the passion and ingenuity of its creators and represents a transformative milestone in the evolution of personal computing. As we look back on the rich history of Altair BASIC, we can't help but marvel at its profound influence and the lasting legacy it has left on the retrocomputing community.

2  Commodore BASIC v2.0

Commodore BASIC v2.0, the beloved interpreter that accompanied the legendary Commodore 64! For countless retrocomputing enthusiasts, myself included, the Commodore 64 holds a special place in our hearts, and its built-in BASIC interpreter was often the first introduction to programming for many of us. Let's dive into the world of Commodore BASIC v2.0 and explore its features and impact on home computer users.

The Commodore 64, released in 1982, was a true powerhouse of the home computer market. With its impressive hardware capabilities and affordable price, it quickly became one of the best-selling personal computers of all time. But what made it truly remarkable was its built-in BASIC interpreter, Commodore BASIC v2.0.

When you powered on a Commodore 64, the friendly blue screen and the blinking cursor awaited you, inviting you to embark on your coding adventures. It was an exciting and magical moment for many of us, as we eagerly began our exploration of programming.

Commodore BASIC v2.0 provided an accessible and user-friendly programming environment. It utilized a line-numbered structure, allowing users to enter their code in a sequential manner. This simplicity made it easier for beginners to grasp the basics of programming and create their own software.

One of the notable features of Commodore BASIC v2.0 was its extensive support for graphics and sound. With commands like POKE and PEEK, programmers could manipulate individual pixels on the screen and create impressive visual effects. The PLAY command allowed users to generate sounds and compose melodies, adding a touch of musical creativity to their programs.

The popularity of Commodore BASIC v2.0 among home computer users was unparalleled. The Commodore 64's vast user base meant that a wealth of software, including games, educational programs, and utilities, were readily available. Many of these programs were published in books and magazines, allowing users to type them in manually and learn from the code.

Commodore BASIC v2.0 opened up a world of possibilities for young programmers. It encouraged experimentation, problem-solving, and creativity. We learned to think logically, break down complex problems into smaller steps, and witness the results of our coding efforts firsthand. The satisfaction of seeing our programs come to life on the screen was truly unparalleled.

To this day, Commodore BASIC v2.0 holds a special place in the hearts of retrocomputing enthusiasts. It represents a simpler era of computing, where programming was accessible and inspiring. Many of us look back fondly on the hours spent typing in code, exploring the capabilities of our Commodore 64s, and unlocking our imaginations.

Commodore BASIC v2.0 on the Commodore 64 not only introduced us to the world of programming but also fostered a lifelong love for technology and creativity. Its impact on the home computer industry and the countless individuals who embraced it cannot be overstated. It remains a cherished part of our retrocomputing heritage, reminding us of the joy and wonder of our early coding adventures.

3  AmigaBASIC

Commodore Amiga computers were renowned for their cutting-edge capabilities and multimedia prowess, and AmigaBASIC played a significant role in unlocking the potential of these remarkable machines. Let's take a closer look at the world of AmigaBASIC and explore its advancements, capabilities, and a few quirks that shaped the retrocomputing landscape.

The Amiga computers, introduced in the mid-1980s, were ahead of their time when it came to multimedia capabilities. These machines revolutionized the industry with their advanced graphics, superior sound capabilities, and multitasking operating system. AmigaBASIC was the programming language designed specifically for these extraordinary computers, enabling users to tap into their multimedia power.

One of the standout features of AmigaBASIC was its ability to seamlessly integrate with the Amiga's multimedia capabilities. Unlike many other versions of BASIC, AmigaBASIC included commands and functions specifically tailored for graphics and sound. This opened up exciting possibilities for creating interactive and visually stunning programs, games, and demos.

With AmigaBASIC, programmers could harness the power of the Amiga's custom graphics chips to manipulate and animate high-resolution graphics. Sprites, copper lists, blitter operations, and other advanced features of the Amiga's graphics architecture were accessible through AmigaBASIC. This allowed developers to create immersive gaming experiences and visually impressive applications.

AmigaBASIC also took full advantage of the Amiga's exceptional sound capabilities. The Amiga computers boasted four-channel stereo sound, which was a revelation at the time. Programmers could utilize AmigaBASIC to compose music, generate sound effects, and even synchronize sound with graphics and animations. The result was a rich and immersive multimedia experience that set the Amiga apart from its contemporaries.

However, it's worth noting that AmigaBASIC had a few limitations that frustrated programmers. One notable limitation was a bug that prevented direct calls to machine language routines from within AmigaBASIC programs. This restriction hindered certain advanced techniques and forced programmers to find workarounds or resort to writing separate assembly language routines.

Despite this limitation, AmigaBASIC remained a powerful tool for unleashing the multimedia potential of the Amiga computers. It was a gateway to a world of creative possibilities, inspiring developers to push the boundaries of what was imaginable on a home computer.

AmigaBASIC empowered enthusiasts to create stunning visual demos, music visualizers, and innovative games that showcased the true capabilities of the Amiga. It fostered a vibrant and creative community that thrived on sharing knowledge, pushing the limits of the hardware, and celebrating the unique strengths of the Amiga platform.

Today, the legacy of AmigaBASIC lives on in the hearts of retrocomputing enthusiasts. It represents an era of computing where creativity and multimedia capabilities were at the forefront. The advancements and quirks of AmigaBASIC shaped the landscape of retrocomputing, leaving an indelible mark on those who experienced the wonders of Amiga programming.

AmigaBASIC remains a testament to the innovation and vision of the Amiga platform. It stands as a reminder of the unique charm and technological prowess that made the Amiga computers beloved by enthusiasts and creative minds alike. The impact of AmigaBASIC and the Amiga platform on the retrocomputing community continues to be felt, inspiring new generations to explore the exciting world of multimedia programming on these iconic machines.

4  Microsoft QBasic

QBASIC, the beloved programming language that holds a special place in the hearts of retrocomputing enthusiasts! QBASIC, an evolution of earlier versions of Microsoft BASIC, emerged as a powerful and accessible programming tool that played a vital role in introducing countless individuals to the world of programming. Let's delve into the evolution of QBASIC, explore its programming features, and appreciate its significance as a learning tool for beginners.

QBASIC, introduced by Microsoft in the early 1990s, built upon the foundation laid by its predecessors such as GW-BASIC and BASICA. It represented a leap forward in terms of functionality and ease of use, making it an ideal choice for budding programmers and hobbyists eager to explore the realm of computer programming.

One of the defining features of QBASIC was its integrated development environment (IDE), which provided a user-friendly and intuitive interface for writing, editing, and executing programs. This environment offered a streamlined experience, enabling beginners to focus on learning the fundamentals of programming without being overwhelmed by complex setup processes.

QBASIC boasted a wide array of programming features that made it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced programmers. It offered a comprehensive set of commands, functions, and control structures, allowing programmers to develop interactive applications, games, and utilities. The language supported variables, loops, conditional statements, subroutines, and more, providing a solid foundation for learning programming concepts.

One of the notable aspects of QBASIC was its emphasis on structured programming techniques. The language encouraged modular and well-organized code through the use of subroutines and functions. This approach not only made programs easier to read and understand but also promoted good programming practices that could be carried over to other programming languages.

QBASIC's user-friendly nature and educational focus made it a popular choice in schools and educational institutions. It served as an excellent introductory language for teaching programming concepts to students, allowing them to grasp fundamental concepts like variables, loops, and conditionals in a straightforward manner. QBASIC's simplicity and accessibility empowered beginners to write functional programs and experience the joy of seeing their code come to life.

Furthermore, QBASIC's built-in documentation and extensive help resources provided valuable guidance to beginners, allowing them to navigate the language and learn through exploration. The abundance of sample programs and tutorials further enhanced the learning experience, offering practical examples and insights into different programming techniques.

QBASIC's role as a learning tool extended beyond the classroom. It fostered a vibrant community of enthusiasts who shared their knowledge, code snippets, and creative projects. This collaborative environment allowed beginners to gain inspiration, learn from experienced programmers, and contribute their own creations, fueling a sense of camaraderie and mutual growth.

While QBASIC may have evolved from earlier versions of Microsoft BASIC, it stands on its own as a powerful and accessible programming language. Its intuitive IDE, extensive feature set, and emphasis on structured programming made it an invaluable tool for beginners embarking on their programming journey. QBASIC's educational focus and welcoming community nurtured the passion for programming in countless individuals, sparking a lifelong love for the art of coding.

To this day, the legacy of QBASIC lives on as a fond memory for those who began their programming journey with this influential language. Its impact on the retrocomputing community and its role as a stepping stone for aspiring programmers cannot be overstated. QBASIC not only taught us the building blocks of coding but also ignited a passion for problem-solving, creativity, and the boundless possibilities of the digital world.

5  Microsoft VisualBASIC

VisualBASIC, the evolution of the beloved BASIC programming language into a powerful visual programming tool. With its introduction, the world of software development experienced a significant shift, empowering both beginners and experienced programmers to create sophisticated applications with ease. Let's dive into the fascinating world of VisualBASIC!

VisualBASIC, or VB, was first released by Microsoft in 1991 as a graphical programming language and integrated development environment (IDE). It marked a departure from the traditional text-based programming style of its predecessors and introduced a visual approach to software development. With VisualBASIC, developers could design user interfaces by simply dragging and dropping controls onto a form, making it more accessible to a wider audience.

One of the key features that set VisualBASIC apart was its event-driven programming model. Developers could associate code with specific events, such as button clicks or mouse movements, allowing for interactive and responsive applications. This made it easier to create applications that could respond to user input and provide dynamic user experiences.

VisualBASIC also introduced the concept of Rapid Application Development (RAD), enabling programmers to quickly prototype and build applications. The visual interface design, along with a vast library of pre-built controls and components, accelerated the development process, reducing the time and effort required to create robust applications.

The impact of VisualBASIC on software development cannot be overstated. Its user-friendly nature and visual design capabilities opened the doors to a new generation of programmers, encouraging more people to explore the world of coding. VisualBASIC became a popular choice for developing Windows applications, allowing businesses and individuals to create custom software solutions tailored to their needs.

Moreover, VisualBASIC played a significant role in popularizing the concept of "programming for everyone." Its simplicity and intuitive interface made programming more accessible to beginners, helping to demystify the world of software development. VisualBASIC served as a stepping stone for many aspiring programmers, providing a solid foundation for learning programming concepts and building confidence.

Throughout its history, VisualBASIC continued to evolve, with newer versions offering enhanced features, improved performance, and compatibility with the latest technologies. Today, VisualBASIC.NET is the modern iteration of this beloved programming language, offering even greater capabilities and integration with the Microsoft .NET Framework.

Microsoft VisualBASIC revolutionized the way applications were developed, introducing a visual approach and empowering a wider audience to create software solutions. Its impact on software development and the legacy it left behind make it a cherished piece of retrocomputing history, continuing to inspire programmers to this day.

Conclusion

In conclusion, let's take a moment to appreciate the incredible contributions that Microsoft BASIC has made to the programming world. Throughout its various versions, from Altair BASIC to VisualBASIC, Microsoft BASIC has left an indelible mark on the retrocomputing community and beyond. We've explored the top 5 versions of Microsoft BASIC and delved into their unique features and significance. Now, let's recap our journey and appreciate the lasting impact of this iconic programming language.

Altair BASIC, the pioneer, brought the power of BASIC to the masses, marking the beginning of the microcomputer revolution. It enabled early enthusiasts to explore the possibilities of programming and kickstarted the evolution of personal computing.

Commodore BASIC v2.0, the language of the iconic Commodore 64, captured the hearts and minds of countless home computer users. It introduced a generation to the joys of programming, with many first-timers experiencing the magic of creating their own games and applications.

AmigaBASIC, with its multimedia capabilities, elevated the Amiga computer to new heights. It allowed enthusiasts to harness the machine's advanced audio and video capabilities, paving the way for immersive and interactive multimedia experiences.

QBASIC took the baton and became the go-to language for beginners and aspiring programmers. With its user-friendly interface and built-in help, it provided a stepping stone into the world of coding and nurtured a new generation of developers.

And finally, VisualBASIC revolutionized software development, empowering programmers with a visual programming paradigm and rapid application development capabilities. It made coding more accessible, ushering in a new era of software creation and inspiring countless developers worldwide.

As retrocomputing enthusiasts, we can't help but feel a deep appreciation for the contributions of Microsoft BASIC. While modern programming languages and frameworks have taken center stage, there is a certain charm and elegance in revisiting these retro programming environments. With the resurgence of interest in retrocomputing, we are witnessing a renewed passion for exploring the origins of computing and the simplicity of early programming languages.

BASIC, with its straightforward syntax and focus on simplicity, provides a refreshing contrast to the complexities of modern programming languages. For retrocomputing enthusiasts, it offers a delightful journey into the past and a chance to relive the magic of early programming experiences.

In this age of nostalgia and rediscovery, we may find that BASIC, in all its iterations, could very well come back in vogue among retrocomputing enthusiasts. It holds the key to unlocking the simplicity, creativity, and joy of early computing, reminding us of the foundations upon which the modern digital world was built.

So, let us continue to celebrate and cherish the legacy of Microsoft BASIC, embracing the spirit of retrocomputing and the timeless joy of programming. Whether it's for the sheer love of nostalgia or the desire to understand the origins of modern computing, Microsoft BASIC will always have a special place in the hearts of retrocomputing enthusiasts everywhere.