# PureBasic > commercially distributed procedural computer programming language and integrated development environment **Wikidata**: [Q2118858](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2118858) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PureBasic) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/purebasic ## Summary PureBasic is a commercially distributed procedural computer programming language and integrated development environment that was first released in 1998. It supports multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, Linux, and Raspberry Pi OS, and is known for its structured programming paradigm. ## Key Facts - PureBasic was first released in 1998 and has been continuously developed since then - The language supports Windows, macOS, Linux, AmigaOS, and Raspberry Pi OS operating systems - Latest stable versions include 6.12 LTS (released September 13, 2024) and 6.21 (released June 9, 2025) - PureBasic uses a procedural programming paradigm with structured programming features - The official website is available in German, English, and French languages - PureBasic source code files use the .pb extension for both reading and writing - The language is influenced by BASIC programming language variants ### Q: What type of programming language is PureBasic? A: PureBasic is a procedural programming language that uses structured programming paradigms. It's designed to be easy to learn while providing powerful features for creating applications across multiple platforms. ### Q: Which operating systems does PureBasic support? A: PureBasic supports Windows, macOS, Linux, AmigaOS, and Raspberry Pi OS. This cross-platform compatibility allows developers to create applications that can run on multiple operating systems with minimal code changes. ### Q: What are the current stable versions of PureBasic? A: The current stable versions are 6.12 LTS (Long-Term Support) released on September 13, 2024, and 6.21 released on June 9, 2025. The LTS versions receive extended support and updates. ### Q: Is PureBasic free to use? A: PureBasic is commercially distributed, meaning it requires a paid license to use. However, the commercial nature of the software ensures professional support and continuous development of the language and IDE. ### Q: What file format does PureBasic use? A: PureBasic uses the .pb file extension for source code files, which can be both read and written by the PureBasic development environment. ## Why It Matters PureBasic matters because it provides developers with a powerful yet accessible tool for creating cross-platform applications without the complexity of more advanced programming languages. Its procedural approach and structured programming paradigm make it particularly suitable for beginners while still offering the capabilities needed for professional software development. The language's ability to target multiple operating systems from a single codebase reduces development time and maintenance costs, making it an efficient choice for developers who need to deploy applications across different platforms. PureBasic's commercial model ensures ongoing support and updates, providing users with a reliable development environment that continues to evolve with modern computing needs. ## Notable For - Cross-platform compatibility across Windows, macOS, Linux, AmigaOS, and Raspberry Pi OS - Long-term support (LTS) release model providing stability for production applications - Commercial distribution model ensuring professional support and continuous development - Structured programming paradigm that balances simplicity with powerful features - Multi-language official support (German, English, French) reflecting its international user base ## Body ### Development History PureBasic was first released in 1998, establishing itself as a commercial programming language and IDE solution. The language has undergone continuous development over more than two decades, with regular version updates and feature additions. The development team maintains an active presence through their official website and support forums, providing updates and addressing user needs. ### Technical Specifications PureBasic implements a procedural programming paradigm with structured programming features. The language uses the .pb file extension for source code files, which are both readable and writable within the PureBasic development environment. The IDE provides comprehensive tools for code editing, debugging, and application building across supported platforms. ### Version History The language has progressed through multiple major versions, with the current stable releases being 6.12 LTS (September 13, 2024) and 6.21 (June 9, 2025). The LTS designation indicates long-term support versions that receive extended maintenance and security updates. Previous versions have included 5.60 and 6.01 LTS, showing the language's evolution over time. ### Platform Support PureBasic's cross-platform capabilities extend to five major operating systems: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, AmigaOS, and Raspberry Pi OS. This broad support allows developers to create applications that can target desktop computers, servers, and embedded systems like the Raspberry Pi. The language's ability to compile for different architectures from a single codebase makes it particularly valuable for developers targeting multiple platforms. ### Community and Support The PureBasic community is supported through official forums available in English, German, and French. These forums provide user-to-user support, code sharing, and discussion of development techniques. The commercial nature of PureBasic ensures that users have access to professional support channels through the official website, where documentation, tutorials, and contact information are available. ## References 1. [Source](http://purebasic.com/news.php) 2. [PureBasic 6.01 LTS. 2023](https://www.purebasic.com/news.php) 3. [Source](https://www.purebasic.com/news.php) 4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 5. Quora 6. [Source](https://www.purebasic.com/support.php)