# Superbase database

> end-user desktop database program

**Wikidata**: [Q2367280](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2367280)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superbase_(database))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/superbase-database

## Summary
Superbase database is an end-user desktop database program and database management system (DBMS) that also functions as a programming language. First released in 1983, it is designed for communicating instructions to a machine and managing data structures. The software supports various file formats for forms, reports, and queries, and has historical significance associated with platforms like the Commodore 64.

## Key Facts
*   **Inception:** Superbase was created in **1983**.
*   **Classification:** It is classified as a **database management system**, **software**, and a **programming language**.
*   **Type:** It is described primarily as an **end-user desktop database program**.
*   **Developer/Publisher:** Associated with **Precision Software** (based on user manual archives).
*   **Platform Association:** It has a designated identifier in the **C64 Wiki**, indicating relevance to the Commodore 64 platform.
*   **Website:** The official website is listed as `http://www.superbase.com`.
*   **Identifiers:** The entity has a Freebase ID (`/m/0271qhn`), Google Knowledge Graph ID (`/g/155qjnb1`), and YSO ID (`14589`).
*   **Documentation:** User manuals are archived in English (1986) and German.

## FAQs
### Q: What type of software is Superbase database?
A: Superbase is an end-user desktop database program and database management system. It is also classified as a programming language used for communicating instructions to a machine.

### Q: When was Superbase database first released?
A: Superbase database was inceptioned in 1983.

### Q: What file formats are associated with Superbase database?
A: The software utilizes specific formats including Superbase Form, Superbase Program (vars 1-3), Superbase Project, Superbase Printer Driver, and Superbase Query definition.

### Q: Is there documentation available for Superbase database?
A: Yes, user manuals such as "Superbase Personal" (1986) and "Superbase - Alles auf einen Blick" are available via the Internet Archive.

## Why It Matters
Superbase database represents a significant chapter in the history of personal computing, particularly during the 1980s. As an end-user desktop database program launched in 1983, it emerged during a critical transition period where database management moved from mainframes to personal computers. Its classification as both a database management system and a programming language highlights its dual utility: it allowed users not only to store and retrieve data but also to write instructions to manipulate that data, bridging the gap between simple data storage and application development.

The software's association with the Commodore 64 (evidenced by its C64 Wiki ID) and early Apple/PC architectures underscores its role in democratizing data management for small businesses and power users before the dominance of modern relational database giants. Furthermore, the preservation of its manuals in multiple languages (English and German) suggests it had a distinct international user base. By supporting complex file definitions for forms, queries, and printer drivers, Superbase provided a comprehensive toolkit for desktop data processing in the pre-web era.

## Notable For
*   **Hybrid Functionality:** Distinguished by its classification as both a **programming language** and a **database management system**, allowing for deeper data manipulation than standard flat-file databases.
*   **Early Desktop Adoption:** Launched in **1983**, making it an early entrant in the desktop database market for personal computers.
*   **Commodore 64 Presence:** Recognized within the Commodore 64 community, possessing a specific entry in the C64 Wiki.
*   **Multi-Format Support:** capable of reading and writing distinct file types for forms, programs, and printer drivers.

## Body

### History and Inception
Superbase database was established in **1983**. It was developed or distributed by **Precision Software**, as indicated by archived user manuals from 1986. The software is documented across multiple linguistic versions of Wikipedia (German, English, Italian), reflecting its international distribution.

### Technical Specifications and Classification
According to structured data sources, Superbase is uniquely categorized as:
*   **Instance of:** Programming language, Database management system, Software.
*   **Primary Function:** End-user desktop database program.

This combination suggests that the software includes a scripting or query language native to its environment for communicating instructions to the host machine.

### File Handling and Formats
Superbase operates using a suite of proprietary file formats for different aspects of database management. The system distinguishes between readable and writable formats, though it generally supports full read/write capabilities for its core components.

**Readable and Writable Formats:**
*   **Programs:** Superbase Program (var 1), Superbase Program (var 2), Superbase Program (var 3).
*   **Data Structures:** Superbase Project, Superbase Query definition.
*   **Interface:** Superbase form, Superbase form definition.

**Read-Only/Support Formats:**
*   Superbase printer driver.

### Archives and Resources
The software and its documentation are preserved in the **Internet Archive**.
*   **English Manual:** "Superbase Personal 1986 Precision Software" is available for public access.
*   **German Manual:** "Superbase - Alles auf einen Blick" provides localized instruction.
*   **Software Archive:** An identifier `a2_Superbase_v2.0_1983_Precision_cr_Midwest_Pirates_Guild` exists, pointing to version 2.0 from 1983.

## References

1. YSO-Wikidata mapping project