# Basic4GL

> interpreted, open source version of the BASIC programming language

**Wikidata**: [Q4866927](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4866927)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basic4GL)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/basic4gl

## Summary
Basic4GL is an interpreted, open-source implementation of the BASIC programming language. It functions as a procedural programming environment designed primarily for the Microsoft Windows platform. Also known by the abbreviation B4GL, it is distributed under the GNU General Public License.

## Key Facts
- **Full Name:** Basic4GL
- **Alias:** B4GL
- **Type:** Implementation of a programming language
- **Language Family:** BASIC
- **Programming Paradigm:** Procedural programming
- **Execution Method:** Interpreted
- **License:** GNU General Public License
- **Platform:** Microsoft Windows
- **Website:** http://www.basic4gl.net
- **Copyright Status:** Copyrighted
- **Compatibility:** Listed in Wine AppDB (ID: 8708)

## FAQs
### Q: What type of programming language is Basic4GL?
A: Basic4GL is an interpreted, open-source version of the BASIC programming language. It utilizes a procedural programming paradigm to communicate instructions to a machine.

### Q: Is Basic4GL free to use?
A: Yes, Basic4GL is open-source software released under the GNU General Public License. Despite being open source, the software maintains a copyrighted status.

### Q: What operating systems can run Basic4GL?
A: Basic4GL is designed to run on Microsoft Windows. It has a listing in the Wine AppDB (ID 8708), which tracks compatibility with the Wine compatibility layer for other operating systems.

### Q: Where can I find the official website for Basic4GL?
A: The official website for Basic4GL is located at http://www.basic4gl.net.

## Why It Matters
Basic4GL serves as a specific implementation of the BASIC programming language, adapted for the Microsoft Windows environment. Its significance lies in its accessibility and licensing model; by being open-source and released under the GNU General Public License, it allows users to study, modify, and distribute the software freely within the constraints of that license. This distinguishes it from proprietary BASIC dialects that historically dominated the market.

As a procedural language, it provides a structured approach to programming, allowing for the logical organization of code. Its existence as an interpreted language means that code can be executed directly without the need for a separate compilation step, facilitating rapid testing and debugging for developers. While the BASIC language family has been foundational in computer science education, Basic4GL represents a modern effort to keep a version of this language accessible on current Windows architectures.

## Notable For
- Being an **open-source** implementation of the BASIC language, a rarity compared to historical proprietary versions.
- Operating as an **interpreted** language, allowing for direct execution of code.
- Distribution under the **GNU General Public License**, ensuring user freedoms regarding software modification and sharing.
- Its specific optimization and requirement for the **Microsoft Windows** platform.
- Its classification as a **procedural programming** tool.

## Body
### Classification and Paradigm
Basic4GL is categorized as an implementation of a programming language. It is a member of the BASIC language family and utilizes a specific set of structural rules known as a programming paradigm. According to structured data, Basic4GL operates under the **procedural programming** paradigm. This means the language is designed around the concept of procedures or routines (functions) to execute a set of instructions.

Additionally, the language is defined as **interpreted**. Unlike compiled languages that translate code into machine language before execution, an interpreter executes the instructions directly.

### Platform and Requirements
The primary platform supported by Basic4GL is **Microsoft Windows**. It is an application developed to function within this specific operating system environment, which was originally developed by Microsoft (inception: 1985).

While native support is for Windows, the existence of a **Wine AppDB ID** (8708) suggests that the software has been tested or analyzed for compatibility with Wine, a layer that allows Windows applications to run on other operating systems like Linux.

### Licensing and Distribution
Basic4GL is distributed as **open-source** software. The specific legal framework governing its distribution is the **GNU General Public License (GPL)**. This license grants users the freedom to run, study, share, and modify the software. Despite the open-source nature, the software retains a **copyrighted** status, typically held by the original author, which protects the intellectual property while allowing for open distribution under the license terms.

### Identity and Metadata
The entity is identified by the alias **B4GL**. It is indexed in various knowledge bases, including a specific Freebase ID (`/m/027h08g`) and a Wikidata entry. The official online presence for the software is maintained at `http://www.basic4gl.net`.