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PRODUCTS.TXT
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══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
About PowerBASIC 3.x
══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
We put the POWER in BASIC!
PowerBASIC Awarded PC Magazine's Editor's Choice
"BASIC developers who write DOS application expect the same
from their programming tools as anyone else does: powerful
language syntax, a high-productivity development environment,
a fast and efficient compiler, solid documentation, a good
selection of third-party tools, and intangibles such as the
vendor's dedication to the language and its user base. These
are tough criteria, and almost every product we looked at came
up short. But not PowerBASIC, Version 3.0. Our Editor's
Choice in the DOS category, it delivered in almost every
regard." PC MAGAZINE, SEPTEMBER 28, 1993.
Instant TSRs, built-in assembler, new data types, BCD
variables, direct array operations (sort, scan, insert,
delete), fast math, and many BASIC firsts make this the new
standard of comparison for BASIC compilers.
And PowerBASIC continues to improve with each release because
our development team listens to you, our customers. We respond
to your needs at every opportunity. Our latest revision
offers even tighter, faster code, and the ability to create
add-on help files which integrate seamlessly into the
PowerBASIC IDE.
If you are a DOS BASIC programmer who wants your compiler to
continue to improve, PowerBASIC is clearly the upgrade choice.
PowerBASIC is nearly 100% compatible with Quick Basic syntax,
so the move up to PowerBASIC couldn't be easier.
Instant TSRs
------------
Create TSRs in an instant with just five lines of code. A 600K
TSR can "pop-down" to a memory image of just 4K, with
automatic memory swapping to EMS or virtual disk. TSRs can be
activated by practically any stimulus: a hot key, a timer,
inactivity, even a message from a foreground program. They can
be safely un-installed under internal program control, or by
external request. Even BIOS keystroke stuffing is available.
In fact, multiple TSRs can activate each other repeatedly,
with two-way communication throughout.
Built-in Assembler
------------------
Looking for even better performance? The new built-in
Assembler may be just what you need. For the first time, you
can write Assembler code and mix it with your PowerBASIC code
line by line. Hand optimize the most critical sections for
absolute performance. PowerBASIC handles all the details
automatically. You can reference your variables, parameters,
labels and functions by name -- even debug at the CPU register
level in the expanded environment.
New Data Types
--------------
PowerBASIC offers 11 numeric data types, 3 string data types
then adds user-defined TYPES and UNIONS as well. There are
unsigned byte, word, and double word variables. Integers of
16, 32, and even 64 bits. Single, double, and extended
precision floats. Fixed and Floating-point BCD. Fixed, Flex
and Dynamic strings. You can even map Flex strings into
dynamic structures; they're defined, created, and sized at
run-time for true database capability.
BCD Variables
-------------
Finally you can eliminate round-off errors, even those
associated with currency variables in other languages. You
aren't forced to 4 decimal places. Instead you make your
choice: from 0 to 18 digits. And always with automatic
rounding to the precise level of your needs. In PowerBASIC,
all BCD variables are implemented as scaled integers for fast
calculation.
Array Operations
----------------
Built-in Array, Sort, Scan, Insert, and Delete, with optional
collate sequencing for international or special character
sets.
Fast Math
---------
An optional procedural float package offers startling speed.
Without a numeric co-processor, it's 40% to 50% faster than
emulation. Yet it still uses the '87 when available. It's
IEEE-compatible, so you can intermix procedural, emulated, or
'87 specific code as needed.
BASIC Firsts
------------
PowerBASIC was the first to offer both user-defined TYPES and
UNIONS, unlimited dynamic strings, a true handle-based string
memory manager. There are code pointers (to any
sub/function/label), conditional compilation
($IF/$ELSE/$ENDIF), even viewports for screen text display.
Then add Huge Arrays (greater than 64K), Absolute Arrays (at a
specific address), even EXIT FAR to allow multi-level
sub/function exit (beats the LONGJMP in C any day).
PowerBASIC 3.1 is the first BASIC to offer optional parameters
in your SUBs and FUNCTIONs, as well as 64 bit and unsigned
support in your radix values (&H, &B, &O)
Structure
---------
Create BASIC programs with any level of structure desired.
Free-form or absolute, the choice is yours. You can even
choose to require variable declaration before use. Another
first for PowerBASIC.
Bit Operations
--------------
PowerBASIC offers a full complement of bit operations
including: SHIFT, ROTATE, TEST, SET, RESET, and TOGGLE. Even
implied bit arrays of up to 512K bits are supported.
Communications
--------------
Here's where PowerBASIC shines. Serial port communication is
available for COM1 through COM4. BAUD rates up to 115200.
Any combination of non-standard IRQ lines. Explicit control of
DTR, even after program termination. Automatic error detection
or masking is available, with optional flush of erroneous
data.
New IDE with Mouse Support
--------------------------
The new IDE supports a mouse when editing your source code for
marking blocks, cutting and pasting. Use true compiled code
to develop and debug -- the same code as your .EXE file. So
you'll never need to deal with a slow, threaded p-code
interpreter. That means faster development, and the
elimination of subtle differences between interpreted and
compiled results.
Third Party Tools
-----------------
The most powerful and respected tool kits are available to
PowerBASIC users. Libraries from companies like Crescent,
Cretive Software Alliance, Ansoft, and others make PowerBASIC
the most comprehensive BASIC compiler available today. A
superb monthly newsletter (Basically Speaking from Information
Management Systems) offers timely advice and examples
specifically aimed at the PowerBASIC programmer. In a
nutshell, with PowerBASIC, you'll never need to re-invent the
wheel.
Help and Support
----------------
PowerBASIC includes extensive printed documentation -- close
to 700 pages of Programmer's Guide and Reference Guide. Then
the context-sensitive on-line help system puts further detail
right at your fingertips just when you need it most. Perfect
for the novice or the professional developer. Technical
support is available from our engineering staff by telephone,
mail FAX, BBS, or our POWERBASIC support forum on CompuServe.
System Requirements
-------------------
IBM(R) PC or compatible with two floppy