FreeBASIC vs QB64

Struggling to choose between FreeBASIC and QB64? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

FreeBASIC is a Development solution with tags like basic, compiler, open-source, console, gui, web-applications.

It boasts features such as Supports procedural and object-oriented programming, Syntax similar to QBasic/QuickBASIC, Can create console, GUI and web applications, Has bindings for GTK+, SDL, OpenGL, Allegro, etc, Can interface with C libraries, Supports multi-platform compilation for Windows, Linux and macOS and pros including Free and open source, Easy to learn for beginners, Fast compilation, Produces small and efficient executables, Large community support.

On the other hand, QB64 is a Development product tagged with basic, compiler, ide, qbasic, windows, linux, macos.

Its standout features include Supports most QBasic statements and functions, Can create native executables for Windows, Linux and macOS, Integrated IDE and debugger, Supports modern features like subroutines, enums and user types, Graphics and sound support, Can use most QBasic libraries and code with little to no modification, and it shines with pros like Free and open source, Familiar BASIC syntax, Cross-platform, Active community support, Allows creating distributable standalone apps.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

FreeBASIC

FreeBASIC

FreeBASIC is an open-source, free BASIC compiler for Windows, Linux, and macOS. It is compatible with QBasic/QuickBASIC and allows developers to easily create console, graphical GUI, and web applications. FreeBASIC supports modern features like object-oriented programming.

Categories:
basic compiler open-source console gui web-applications

FreeBASIC Features

  1. Supports procedural and object-oriented programming
  2. Syntax similar to QBasic/QuickBASIC
  3. Can create console, GUI and web applications
  4. Has bindings for GTK+, SDL, OpenGL, Allegro, etc
  5. Can interface with C libraries
  6. Supports multi-platform compilation for Windows, Linux and macOS

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Free and open source

Easy to learn for beginners

Fast compilation

Produces small and efficient executables

Large community support

Cons

Not as full-featured as commercial BASIC dialects

Limited IDE and debugging support

Documentation can be lacking in some areas


QB64

QB64

QB64 is a modern extended BASIC language compiler that aims for compatibility with QBasic. It allows creating native executables for Windows, Linux and macOS. QB64 includes an integrated IDE, debugger and other development tools.

Categories:
basic compiler ide qbasic windows linux macos

QB64 Features

  1. Supports most QBasic statements and functions
  2. Can create native executables for Windows, Linux and macOS
  3. Integrated IDE and debugger
  4. Supports modern features like subroutines, enums and user types
  5. Graphics and sound support
  6. Can use most QBasic libraries and code with little to no modification

Pricing

  • Free
  • Open Source

Pros

Free and open source

Familiar BASIC syntax

Cross-platform

Active community support

Allows creating distributable standalone apps

Cons

Limited adoption and popularity compared to other languages

Documentation could be more extensive

IDE is basic compared to full-featured IDEs

Some QBasic features are unsupported or work differently