The QB Newbies section - new users start here!

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the place for new qb progrmamers

Learning how to program can be a daunting task, but there's light at the end of the tunnel. This page will answer some of your questions about programming, QBasic, and what this page has to offer. You're welcome to browse the entire page. If you want to get a jumpstart on programming, check out the "tutorials" section of the page and dive right in. Or, you can read the following questions and answers to gain a little more knowledge about QBasic and learning it before you get your feet wet. Please note that this section is new and will be expanded shortly.

QBasic?

QBasic ("QuickBasic") is a language published by Microsoft. The current (and last) version is 4.5, and version 1.1 is distributed with DOS in place of GW-BASIC.

QBasic is extremely easy to use. Its math functions are especially good, and it's a great "learners language" for schools and other similar institutions. It resembles BASIC in its statements, but is more structured -and- flexible at the same time. For instance, line numbers are not required but can be used - as well as "line labels" with text names. The graphics support 256 color 320 x 200 VGA, and 16-color 640x480 VGA, as well as an array of other graphics cards.

QBasic can be expanded with the use of QuickLibraries (.QLB's) which add routines from Assembler and C. It can also be expanded through structured programming - the re-use of SUBroutines and functions. There are many possibilities. Some QLB examples include QBSVGA, a library which gives QB 4.5 SVGA capabilities - up to 1024x768 and 256+ colors, PLUS animation and sprite routines.

You can download QBasic from Microsoft's Web site at this address: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/download/olddos.exe. It comes in a big archive of old MS-DOS utilities. Please don't ask me where to get this anymore!

What's on this page, anyway?

This page includes many utilities and source code bits for QBasic programmers. Many of them are -invaluable-, but others are just fun. For an index of the files this page contains, scroll back up to the toolbar and click "view." If you'd like more information on how to program in QBasic, you can click here for Mallard's tentative and under construction QBasic manual. Right now, we're sporting more than 190 programs online for your viewing and coding pleasure. This number will keep on growing as long as you keep submitting programs! Updates to the page will now be made less frequently. However, this does mean that there will be a LOT more info on-line at each update. I'm striving to keep this the BEST source for QB stuff on the 'net. Keep this page in your bookmarks!

How can I get one of my programs on this page?

Well, all the programs that are sent to me are evaluated. Recently, I have become more strict when it comes to the quality of the programs put on the page, but I'll accept anything exciting, neat, fun, or cool (like those guidelines will really help you). Don't worry - if it's a good program, it'll go on the page. Read the submission guidelines for more details.

Who did all this?

The author of this page is David Zohrob (aka Mallard), a veteran QB programmer who refuses to let it die. :-) Some of the source code was gathered from a few sources on the Internet, a lot of it was submitted to me, and some of it is my own work. Any submissions are welcome - click "submit" on the toolbar. Anything else, just e-mail me.

QBasic.com, Inc. was formed December 23, 1995 to accomodate this huge Web site. I have begun to expand the services offered here, as seen on the previous page (the new "home" for QBasic.com). This summer, I am opening a computer store (it will be mail/Internet order as well as walk-in) to build custom computers for people. It should be fun. Anyway, I started this page two years ago when I was 14, and it's grown quite a bit. With the ISP switch, there will be still more, like a message board, a "QB Quiz," automated mailing lists, and much more. Keep your eyes peeled and this page bookmarked!

Where else can I go to find QBasic stuff on the 'Net?

Click here for the links page.

So how do I learn QBasic?
That's a very good question. There are many, many ways to learn QBasic. You can go to the bookstore and buy a book, read tutorials for free off the internet, download and dissect programs, or have a friend teach you. Here's my suggestion for how to learn: first, get a copy of QBasic (you can find out how by scrolling up). Then, download the first tutorial from my tutorials page. Read the tutorial, then begin applying it. Follow this method through all five tutorials that I have written. Then, start downloading files from the file library - games, utilities, whatever interests you, and "fool around" with them. See how they work - tinker with the code and rework it a little. After you've done this to many programs, you're well on your way. You may consider buying a QBasic book from the bookstore to speed your learning. These books help you along and give you somewhere to go after the fifth tutorial. They also make a great reference tool.
Other than that, just be persistent. Never get too frustrated with a program, and always keep trying new things. If you really get stuck, try posting a question on the Q&A board. Keep it up!

Now that we've gotten those questions out of the way, be sure to download some of the tutorials to get started, or hop in the chatroom to chat with other programmers. Once you get started, you may find it helpful to browse the Q&A board for help with your problems. Feel free to post a question or help out other programmers who have similar problems.
The most important thing to do is be persistent. If you have questions, ask someone. If you have any questions about this page, post them in the Q&A section or e-mail me. I'll try to help as best I can.