Rapid-Q is a BASIC-like programming
language for the 32-bit multiplatform. It provides graphical user
interfaces (GUI) and CONSOLE programs. The compiler is actually an
interpreter for Windows, Linux, and Unix. Rapid-Q compiles your BASIC
source code into byte-code, which is normally attached to an
interpreter. The byte code can also be run by a separate Rapid-Q
program. The compiler supports partial object-oriented programming. If
you're familiar with either QBasic, PowerBasic, or even VisualBasic,
you'll be able to program in Rapid-Q in no time. The overall goal of
the project was to provide an alternative BASIC programming language
that's not only FREE, but good and easy to use. There are several open
source IDEs to choose from, and there are at least 2 Form designers,
and a debugger. Rapid-Q is constantly being improved by public support
and this help document is part of that development.
The Rapid-Q compiler was written and developed by William Yu. The final
release of the software was in BETA testing stage. However, Mr. Yu sold
the rights to RealBASIC(c). Now William Yu no longer supports Rapid-Q.
Do not even think about contacting either William Yu or the staff of
RealBASIC about Rapid-Q. They would prefer you buy their BASIC
compiler. Just because Rapid-Q was released in Beta stage doesn't mean
the compiler is not fully functional! Rapid-Q can make very useable
programs of significant complexity. Also don't expect the compiler to
become "open source."
In Mr. Yu's words, "Being a BASIC programmer at heart, I looked through
the eyes of a user, and added the features and ease of use that I like
to see in a good programming language... Perhaps in the future, some of
these features will become standard in all BASIC languages. The
advanced features that Rapid-Q offers need not be used at all, but is
available when you get more comfortable with the language itself. For
example, Rapid-Q offers object/component creation, function pointers,
procedures with infinite parameters, variants, while still maintaining
all the fundamental features that most BASIC programmers are familiar
with, ie. GOTO, GOSUB, line numbers, etc. This makes converting legacy
code much easier. The only feature which deviates from traditional
BASIC languages is file handling. I believe that once you understand
how file and memory streams work, this can be a huge benefit, rather
than a hassle.
Source Codes
The best way to learn is by example. The beauty of Rapid-Q is its
simplicity.
Look at this code to make a 'hello window' window application.
'text
behind a comma is treated as a comment 'RapidQ knows
to make a form called Form
CREATE Form AS QFORM Caption =
"Hello World" Width = 640
'set its size Height = 480 END CREATE
'now we run the
application Form.ShowModal
That is all! A lot of sample programs and documentation are found in this website.
Explore this site.
The Future of Rapid-Q There is still a large
community of contributors to the Rapid-Q language. However, you are "on
your own" with Rapid-Q. FreeBasic
is a very good free alternative to RapidQ. RealBASIC is very good
commercial alternative to Rapid-Q if you need support. You can get
started with programming with Rapid-Q and move up. You too can
contribute to the development of the language and keep this Free,
simple and easy-to-use compiler alive.
