Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Bronze, Silver, and Gold editions?
Check this chart for a quick overview of what’s included in the different editions.
Bronze is perfect for students or people new to the language.
Silver adds power and functionality with expanded libraries and the BIND utility for creating your own standalone applications.
Gold goes even farther by including the FORMS interface builder and source code for all TB libraries - and much more! See the individual product pages for more details.
Can I use True BASIC on my OS X Macintosh?
At this time there is no native OS X version of True BASIC. Luckily, many tools now exist enabling you to run True BASIC for Windows (and other Windows programs) and even early Mac versions of TB on post-Classic Mode OS X and Intel Macs.
The Mac OS Standard, Pro, Bronze, Silver and Gold editions all still run on Mac OS 9.2.2 under the "Classic" mode on PowerPC Macintoshes. You can also run True BASIC on an Intel Macintosh under Boot Camp, with a virtualization package such as Parallels, or with Crossover Mac from Codeweavers. SheepShaver is a free emulator tool for running earlier versions of Mac OS (7.5.2 through 9.0.4) and enabling Classic Mode on newer Macs, including Intel Macs. Setup is moderately technical, but it's a powerful utility.
What versions of Windows does True BASIC run on?
True BASIC for Windows runs on Windows 95, 98, Me, 2000, XP, 2003, Vista (32 and 64-bit), 7, 8, 10, and 11. Some users also run True BASIC under WINE on Linux.
Can I purchase an older version of True BASIC?
We do still have some of the older versions in the archive available for purchase in the Legacy Versions category on the Products page: for example OS/2, DOS, MS-DOS, and older Windows & Macintosh versions. If the version you are looking for is not listed there, contact us to ask about special availability.
Can I purchase the Linux, Unix, or VMS version of True BASIC?
True BASIC is currently not available for these platforms, although several users run TB under WINE and Crossover on Linux and Mac OS X. OS/2 versions which have Win32 compatibility should also run Windows versions.
To use version 6 under WINE, follow the steps to use the tbsystem.exe file v5.31 (included with v6 as an option) instead of the default 5.5b19 system file: select Binder from the Settings menu and select a different tbsystem file from the list. Version 6 will default to using the file named "tbsystem.exe" in the installation directory, so it's possible to use any v.5x installer you prefer if you place a copy there and rename it accordingly.
What is the current version of True BASIC?
The current version of True BASIC for all Windows editions is 6.0. To check what version you have, use the command VER at the command line. This will return your version number.
Can old BASIC or other programs be translated to True BASIC?
With most versions of True BASIC we supply a free Basic to True BASIC converter and a Fortran to True BASIC Converter. These applications (created in True BASIC) show your original code in the left window and the translated code in the right window. The original file is left intact and the new file can be saved for use in True BASIC. Lines that can't be automatically translated are marked. The download also comes with a 38-page PDF document with that shows many details related to the translation.
Download these converters free on the Downloads page.
I have an old True BASIC book. Can I still use it with modern True BASIC?
Yes. Many of our most popular books were published years ago and as a result, some of the installation procedures and other minor elements may be out-of-date. Since the language itself has not changed substantively since their publication, however, they remain relevant in every other way. If you have any difficulty working with any of the methods presented in the older texts, just post your question on the Forum and someone will assist you right away.
Does True BASIC come with a compiler?
Yes. All versions of True BASIC are compilers. When you have written code that is complete and runs perfectly, you can compile that code into a very efficient machine language that will run more rapidly because it bypasses the interpretation stage.
Original True BASIC source code files have a .TRU extension. Compiled files carry a .TRC extension. You always want to be careful to keep your True BASIC source code files protected and separate. After a True BASIC file is compiled, it is impossible to decompile.
To create an independent, double-click executable program in True BASIC, you go to the third level and BIND your compiled file. When you create a compiled file in True BASIC, it is operating system agnostic. The BINDING process takes the compiled file and "wraps around" the needed operating essentials for your target platform.
This makes it possible to write a True BASIC program, compile it, and then BIND it for the various operating systems you wish to serve -- from one or more compiled files.
BIND tools come with the True BASIC Silver and Gold editions. There are no royalties due when you create applications using True BASIC, only a statement saying, "This application created using True BASIC."
Can line-numbered programs be run on True BASIC?
Yes, older BASIC programs using line numbers can be run in True BASIC. You open or enter your original line-numbered program in the True BASIC source code window and choose RUN from the menu.
An output window will display the results. If there is an error in your program, the cursor will mark the position of that error in your source code window. You can correct the error and RUN again.
True BASIC, however, is a modern, structured BASIC and you will soon want to move beyond GOTO statements. True BASIC allows you to easily create program subroutine sections that can be CALLED anywhere in your program. In the FREE & DEMO section of this website, you will want to download the how-to document entitled "Leaving GOTO Behind" to learn more about this important transition.
What functions and statements are included in True BASIC?
Review the functions and statements included in ALL versions of True BASIC listed in the TB Commands document in the Downloads section.
How can I change the font in my output window?
Select the following program (by dragging the mouse), Copy it, Paste it into the True BASIC editing window and run it! Experiment with different fonts, font styles, and sizes, and colors.
DIM v(1)
LET fn$ = "Courier" ! Or any other font available on your machine
LET fs$ = "Bold" ! Or Plain, Italic, BoldItalic
LET v(1) = 14 ! Size in points, 1 point = 1/72 inch
CALL Object (2, 0, "FONT NAME|FONT STYLE|FONT SIZE", fn$ & "|" & fs$, v())
SET COLOR "red" ! Or any other color you desire
PRINT "Hello"
END
Why is True BASIC so widely used for calculations?
True BASIC is widely used for calculations as it performs all arithmetic internally as double precision. (Actually, with 53 bits of precision, following the IEEE 8-byte format.)
Where are Physics 2000 and Zip Zapp?
You can find these products at their respective websites, www.physics2000.com and www.zipzapp.com. These products are no longer owned or operated by the owners of True BASIC, and therefore you must visit their sites for more info.