# PowerBASIC

> brand of several commercial compilers by PowerBASIC Inc. that compile a dialect of the BASIC programming language

**Wikidata**: [Q1648571](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1648571)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PowerBASIC)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/powerbasic

## Summary
PowerBASIC is a brand of commercial compilers developed by PowerBASIC Inc. that compile a dialect of the BASIC programming language. It supports multiple programming paradigms, including procedural programming and object-oriented programming. The software was initially released in 1989 and serves as a successor to Turbo Basic.

## Key Facts
- **Nature:** Brand of commercial compilers for the BASIC programming language.
- **Developer:** PowerBASIC Inc.
- **Inception:** 1989.
- **Latest Stable Version:** Version 10.0, released on May 4, 2011.
- **Programming Paradigms:** Procedural programming and Object-oriented programming.
- **Predecessors/Influences:** Influenced by Turbo Basic (1987) and Visual Basic (1991).
- **Official Website:** http://www.powerbasic.com/
- **Aliases:** Also known as "Turob Basic" (per source data).
- **Associated File Formats:** PowerBASIC Help, PowerBASIC/DOS configuration file, PowerBASIC Static Link Library, and Turbo BASIC Help.

## FAQs
### Q: What type of programming language is PowerBASIC?
A: PowerBASIC is a dialect of the BASIC programming language. It is a commercial compiler that supports both procedural and object-oriented programming paradigms.

### Q: When was PowerBASIC released and what is its current version?
A: PowerBASIC was originally inceptioned in 1989. The most recent stable version available is version 10.0, which was released on May 4, 2011.

### Q: What languages influenced the development of PowerBASIC?
A: PowerBASIC was influenced by Turbo Basic, which was released in 1987, and Microsoft's Visual Basic, which was released in 1991.

## Why It Matters
PowerBASIC holds a distinct place in the history of software development as a robust tool for programmers seeking high performance from a BASIC dialect. While many variations of BASIC are interpreted or associated with learning, PowerBASIC functions as a true compiler, translating code into efficient machine language. This capability made it a relevant tool for developing commercial software applications where execution speed was critical.

Its significance is further underscored by its longevity and evolution. Spanning from its inception in 1989 to its stable release in 2011, PowerBASIC adapted to changing computing environments. By incorporating elements of object-oriented programming while retaining its procedural roots, it offered developers a bridge between older coding practices and modern software design. The compiler's ability to generate specific file formats, such as Static Link Libraries, also highlights its utility in creating complex, modular software components for Windows operating systems.

## Notable For
- **Compiler Functionality:** Unlike some BASIC dialects that are interpreted, PowerBASIC is a brand of compilers, offering distinct performance advantages.
- **Paradigm Versatility:** It is recognized for supporting both procedural and object-oriented programming within a single environment.
- **Lineage:** It is the direct successor to Turbo Basic, carrying forward the legacy of that 1987 language.
- **Longevity:** The software maintained an active release cycle from 1989 through at least 2011.
- **Specific Ecosystem:** It utilizes unique file formats, including PowerBASIC Static Link Libraries and specific configuration files for DOS.

## Body
### Overview and Classification
PowerBASIC is a brand of commercial compilers created by the company PowerBASIC Inc. The software is designed to compile a specific dialect of the BASIC programming language, a high-level language used for communicating instructions to a machine. According to structured data, PowerBASIC is classified as an instance of a "programming language" and falls under the categories of "procedural programming" and "object-oriented programming."

### Historical Context
The history of PowerBASIC traces back to its inception in 1989. It is closely related to **Turbo Basic**, a programming language that originated in 1987. PowerBASIC is documented as being influenced by Turbo Basic as well as **Visual Basic**, the legacy programming language by Microsoft which began in 1991.

### Technical Specifications and Versions
The software has evolved through various iterations, with the **stable version 10.0** cited as a major release. This specific version was released on **May 4, 2011**.

Technical associations include:
*   **Website:** The official online presence is maintained at `http://www.powerbasic.com/` (English).
*   **File Formats:** The environment utilizes and produces specific file types, including PowerBASIC Help files, PowerBASIC/DOS configuration files, PowerBASIC Static Link Libraries, and Turbo BASIC Help files.

### Knowledge Graph Data
*   **Wikidata Description:** "brand of several commercial compilers by PowerBASIC Inc. that compile a dialect of the BASIC programming language"
*   **Commons Category:** PowerBASIC
*   **Wikipedia Presence:** The entity has a sitelink count of 13 and is available in 10 language editions (including English, German, Russian, and others).

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. Quora