Wiki entry for GLBasic

[Kitty Hello]

Folks, it's been some time and again and again they droped the GLBasic article from the wiki sites, where they left the DarkBasic ones alive.

I've done one on http://wiki.gp2x.org/wiki/GLBASIC. I hope this time I didn't make it too much like a commercial, but also linked to Fenix and SDL-Basic.
Here's the source code it (in case we might loose it again)

If someone might please extend that until we're totally satisfied, and then post it to the "main" wiki site, maybe?
I have no idea of Wiki whatsoever. This was my very first contact with it.

Code (glbasic) Select Expand


= GLBASIC =
GLBasic is a commercial BASIC programming language, that can compile to various platforms, including Windows©, Linux, Mac OS-X© as well as Handhelds like Pocket PC, GP2X, GP2X-WIZ.
The language is designed to be simple and intuitive. It tries to reduce the command set to a bare minimum but also provide a wide field of application.

==General==
GLBasic started as an interpreted Language with 2D commands but now uses the GCC compiler for many different platforms to archive fast, native code results for various platforms. The GLBasic precompiler "GPC" converts the simple BASIC language into C++ code and compiles that later. Thus, the user can extend GLBasic using the INLINE command to mix C/C++ code directly with GLBasic source code. Due to this, GLBasic can easily access 3rd party dynamic libraries on all platforms.
The GLBasic SDK comed with an IDE, debugger and an engine built on OpenGL for the platforms Windows, Linux and Mac OS-X. For the Handheld devices GLBasic uses its own close to hardware routines for fast graphics.
The current version is 5.200 but the developers offer web updates quite frequently to satisfy the users needs with bugfixes and new feature.

The next update will include a public version of the compiler for [[GP2X WIZ]] devices.

== Features ==
===General===
*Extraordinarily easy programming language
*Mixing Strings and Numbers
*fast Dynamic Arrays
*Native support for compressed Data Archives (Sound, Graphics and Data all in one encrypted file!)
*Userdefined Types
*Arrays of Types within Types
*Path Finding Algorithm, in a single command!
*Extendable as you require through inline C/C++
===3D Features===
*Complete 3D engine
*Simple command set
*Smooth 3D Animations
*Loading and Saving user Defined Objects
*Works with all Common 3D Formats (3ds, md2, md3, ac3d, blender, x)
*Alpha Blending
*Collision Detection
*File Exporter for AC3D and Blender3D
*Binary and ASCII file formats
'''PC-only Features'''
*Supports GLSL - Shaders
*Real Time Shadows
*Dot3 Bump Mapping
*Cel-Shading (Cartoon Rendering)

===2D Features===
*Sprites, Rotating, Zooming, Blending
*Basic Drawings (Polygons, Lines, Rectangles, Points)
*Polygonal Sprites
*Alpha Blending for Everything

===Network Features===
*Tcp/IP
*Udp
*Direct connections
*Simplified interface with messages

===Compiler===
*Multiple Platforms
*100% Pure Machine Code Compiled Executables (No interpreters, thus fast)
*No Runtime Files Required

===IDE===
*Windows Native, Standard GUI
*Syntax Formatting + Highlighting
*Quick help in status bar
*Completely, fully integrated and interactive help manuals
*Integrated Helper Tools (Keycodes, Font Generator, Calculator, ...)
*Function and Include File Names are Conveniently Listed within the IDE for Easy Code Navigation
*Support for Multiple Files within Projects
*Project Wizards
*Create HTML documentation directly from your code
*Sharing GLBasic modules as read protected libraries

== Sample code ==
'''Hello World'''
// this is a comment
// Print "Hello World" to the screen position 0,0 (top, left)
PRINT "Hello World", 0,0
// swap backbuffer and visible screen, prepare backbuffer for next rendering
SHOWSCREEN
// wait for a key to be pressed
KEYWAIT

== Pricing ==
GLBasic has a modular price system, that allows to buy only what users need. All past updates had been free for registered users. There's special price offs for students and people with Dollar currency. It also is free for schools.

== See also==
*[[SDL-Basic]] A BASIC for GP2X, that is interpreted.
*[[Fenix]] An interpreted language that is easier to learn than C++

== Links ==
*The GLBasic [http://www.glbasic.com website]
*[http://www.glbasic.com/main.php?site=games-gp2x-compo GP2X games] written for the GLBasic/gp2x.de [http://www.glbasic.com/main.php?site=gp2x-compo competition] 2008

[[Category:SDK]][[Category:SDL]][[Category:Programming]][[Category:BASIC]]