Have you ever wondered what BASIC programming in computer science is? Ever asked yourself what is it? As the technology around us grows more advanced, more ways are being created to program a computer more efficiently. by using programming languages like BASIC, you are able to write a set of commands into the computer’s memory, with these commands ultimately being executed to perform the desired function.
BASIC stands for ‘Beginner’s All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code’, this was designed in 1964 by John Kemeny and Thomas Kurtz. It was meant to be a simplistic way of programming a computer, allowing users who had no prior knowledge of coding to become programming experts quickly. This language rose to prominence in the 1980s where it was used in conjuction with the user friendly Graphical User Interfaces on computers.
In this article you will learn everything you need to know about BASIC programming language and its contribution to the world of computer science. It will cover topics why was BASIC programming invented? What are the benefits of using it? What would be some examples of how it can be used? And finally, what are the potential drawbacks that still exist today?
There is no doubt that BASIC programming was a fundamental component to the early development of computer science, with hundreds of universities and educational institutions now teaching this language as part of their course. Understand how it works, the advantages of using it, and why it’s still used today. Knowing how to program with BASIC is an invaluable asset to anyone interested in computer science.
Definitions:
BASIC Programming is a programming language that is used to create computer software or applications. It stands for Beginnings All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code and is a high-level programming language. It is often used by novice or amateur programmers because it is easier to learn and use than other programming languages. BASIC, which stands for Beginner’s All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code, was developed in the 1960s as a way to teach computer programming to those with limited experience. BASIC is a programming language that allows its users to create codes that can run on a computer. It is a high-level language, meaning that it is more abstract than other languages and is easier to read and code. Its syntax is based on natural language and is designed to be easy to learn and to use. It is fairly flexible so it can be used for programs ranging from simple data input and output programs to complicated programming projects. BASIC programs can be used for game development, graphics programming, data structures, and more. The language has since been expanded to include other features and capabilities, such as object-oriented concepts, databases, and web services. In recent years, BASIC has seen less use, due to the rise of other languages such as Java and C++, but it still remains popular amongst some programming communities.
History of BASIC Programming
Contents
Origin of BASIC Programming
BASIC (Beginner’s All-Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code) is one the oldest computer programming languages, developed by John G. Kemeny and Thomas E. Kurtz at Dartmouth College in 1964. It is a high level language, allows low-level instructions of hardware to be expressed through symbols, mnemonics and English language words. BASIC was initially designed for use by novices in programming, yet became popular among skilled programmers due to its simple and powerful syntax.
Evolution Through the Years
BASIC had an wide overhead for various users from its inception. It was generally shifted from mainframe to minicomputers. Originally designed for 8-bit architectures, it advanced for 16- and 32-bit architectures. Structured programming elements were added so that programs could be made more reliable and easier to maintain, leading to the popularity of object-oriented programming.
BASIC Programming in Present Day
BASIC has been kept up to date constantly over the years. Currently, versions of BASIC can be used for Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, Windows Phone, and embedded platforms such as Raspberry Pi. It is still used as educational tool in some countries, while others may allow skilled BASIC programmers to remain productive in business situations.
Modern Usage
Today, it is popular among hobbyists and home users, while it is still be used for basic web programming and database management. BASIC plays an especially significant role in the history of personal computing. Furthermore, many compilers permit the execution of BASIC programs on systems other than those where it was developed.
Features of the Programming Language
BASIC is a type of procedural programming language that offers users a lot flexibility. It is known for it’s simplistic syntax and commands, with the ability to easily read and modify programs. It also allows users to quickly write programs without having to spend time writing long and complex lines of code. Some main features of BASIC are:
- Data types
- Input and output functions
- Logic operators
- Decision statements
- Loops and iteration
- Program structure
- In-built text editor
Advantages of BASIC Programming
What Advantages Does BASIC Programming Provide?
As the world becomes more reliant on technology, the ability to program within various languages is becoming more and more important. One of the oldest and most important programming languages is BASIC. But why is it so important for many users and organizations? What advantages does BASIC programming provide?
BASIC, or Beginner’s All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code, is an easy-to-learn language that is useful for creating a variety of programs. In fact, it is one of the early languages developers typically learn, making it an ideal choice for many individuals and organizations. One of the main advantages of BASIC is the fact that it is simple when compared to other languages, making it easier to learn and use. Additionally, it is an interpreted language; users can run programs immediately without having to compile them first. This means debugging is often faster and more efficient than other languages.
In addition, BASIC is designed with dynamic memory allocation, meaning that the user can allocate memory simply by specifying the desired size. Furthermore, the language is equipped with a host of commands, functions, and memory management commands to store variables and data structures. This provides users with a range of powerful tools to create dynamic programs.
BASIC is also incredibly versatile. While modern versions of the language are more powerful and feature-rich, the language can be used to create a range of applications, from simple small programs to large-scale applications. As such, it is no wonder why BASIC remains one of the most popular and important programming languages used today.
Disadvantages of BASIC Programming
What are the Disadvantages of Basic Programming?
Doing programming in Basic can be a challenge for both novices and experts alike. While the language has some great advantages, these must be weighed against its drawbacks. From speed issues to difficulty troubleshooting and finding libraries, here are some of the key disadvantages of Basic programming.
Speed Limitations
Basic is often cited as a slow language, and in many cases it can be. Even suitable compilers won’t always overcome this issue – Basic is just not built for speed. The more complex the algorithms you require and the bigger the data structures you’re dealing with, the more important this factor becomes.
Troubleshooting Difficulties
Debugging Basic code can be a challenge, since it doesn’t always provide the useful error and notification messages you find in other languages. In some cases, coding standards and rigorous documentation are necessary to keep things organized and trace bugs to their origin. This in turn adds to the time you need to spend coding in Basic.
Limitations in Functionality
The specific feature set and capabilities of Basic can vary depending on the implementation or compiler you’re using. Some implementations are so limited that they can only create desktop applications, for example, and more complex environments may require a far more sophisticated compiler than what’s provided with desktop versions. That said, there are more powerful versions of Basic available.
Tiny Libraries
Starting from scratch isn’t always feasible, which is why many developers rely on libraries filled with code already written. When it comes to Basic, these libraries can be very limited. This means that finding a library with the functionality you need can be a long-winded and difficult process, and sometimes it’s just not possible.
Conclusion
BASIC programming has been used to develop applications in the computer science field for over five decades. This pioneering language is still widely used, despite the multitude of modern languages now available. Throughout the years, BASIC has been enhanced and adapted to meet the growing needs of the ever-changing computing field, allowing us to push the boundaries of what is possible with computers. But what does the future hold for this timeless language?
What developments in the computer science field have yet to be made possible by BASIC programming? Only time will tell. In the meantime, readers of this blog should stay tuned for further releases containing insightful information into the current state and future of this pioneering language. Who knows what incredible new developments will be made possible with the advancement of BASIC programming? Hopefully, the next release will provide answers to all our questions about the potential of this timeless language.