GW-BASIC

GW-BASIC is a variation of the BASIC programming language developed by Microsoft. GW-BASIC was designed for the IBM PC and is similar to IBM BASICA language, but is a self-contained executable and unlike other BASIC derived languages; it doesn't need the ROM BASIC.

Some features of GW-BASIC include:

• CLS command for clearing the screen.
• PRINT USING and LPRINT commands.
• WHILE-WEND loops.
• INKEY$ function for reading keystrokes.
• IN/OUT instructions for I/O.
• error trapping capabilities.

First used in 1983, Microsoft bundled GW-BASIC with the MS-DOS operating systems on IBM compatible computers. Microsoft also developed and released a BASIC compiler called BASCOM, which was compatible with GW-BASIC.

IBM compatible, Programming language, Programming terms, QBasic