Welcome to GW-BASIC

Chapter 1
Welcome to GW-BASIC


Notational Conventions
Microsoft® GW-BASIC® is a simple, easy-to-learn, easy-to-use computer programming language with English-like statements and mathematical notations. With GW-BASIC you will be able to write both simple and complex programs to run on your computer. You will also be able to modify existing software that is written in GW-BASIC.
This guide is designed to help you use the GW-BASIC Interpreter with the MS-DOS® operating system. Section 1.5 lists resources that will teach you how to program.

1.1 System Requirements
This version of GW-BASIC requires MS-DOS version 3.2 or later.

1.2 Preliminaries
Your GW-BASIC files will be on the MS-DOS diskette located at the back of the MS-DOS User's Reference. Be sure to make a working copy of the diskette before you proceed.

 
  
Note
  
This manual is written for the user familiar with the MS-DOS operating system. For more information on MS-DOS, refer to the Microsoft MS-DOS 3.2 User's Guide and User's Reference.


1.3 Notational Conventions
Throughout this manual, the following conventions are used to distinguish elements of text:
    
Used for commands, options, switches, and literal portions of syntax that must appear exactly as shown.
          
Used for filenames, variables, and placeholders that represent the type of text to be entered by the user.
         
Used for sample command lines, program code and examples, and sample sessions.
          
Used for keys, key sequences, and acronyms.
 
Brackets surround optional command-line elements.