GW-BASIC is a variation of the BASIC programming language developed by Microsoft. GW-BASIC was designed for the IBM PC and is similar to IBM BASICA language, but is a self-contained executable and unlike other BASIC derived languages; it doesn’t need the ROM BASIC.

Some features of GW-BASIC include:

  • CLS command for clearing the screen.
  • PRINT USING and LPRINT commands.
  • WHILE-WEND loops.
  • INKEY$ function for reading keystrokes.
  • IN/OUT instructions for I/O.
  • error trapping capabilities.

First used in 1983, Microsoft bundled GW-BASIC with the MS-DOS operating systems on IBM compatible computers. Microsoft also developed and released a BASIC compiler called BASCOM, which was compatible with GW-BASIC.

IBM compatible, Programming language, Programming terms, QBasic

  • How to create a computer program.