FreeBASIC VS QB64 Phoenix Edition.

[luwal]

(https://copilot.microsoft.com/)

These two dialects look good so I asked Copliot:
Can you compare these two languages: FreeBASIC and QB64 Phoenix Edition.

Copliot gave this answer:
Below is a comparative analysis of FreeBASIC versus QB64 Phoenix Edition—two modern BASIC dialects that both claim lineage from QuickBASIC but target somewhat different niches and priorities.

1. Origins and Goals

• FreeBASIC: FreeBASIC is designed as a modern, free BASIC compiler that not only supports much of the original QuickBASIC syntax but also extends it with powerful language features. It’s aimed at both hobbyists and those who need more advanced functionality (like direct C interoperability, pointer support, and user-defined types). The language’s design makes it suitable for both legacy QB projects and more modern programming challenges.
  
• QB64 Phoenix Edition: QB64 is developed with an eye toward high compatibility with classic QuickBASIC. Its design philosophy is to allow old QB code to compile and run on modern systems with little or no modification. QB64 Phoenix Edition builds on that by offering a straightforward, sometimes “QB-purist” approach. To maintain this compatibility, QB64 intentionally avoids some advanced features (such as native pointer types) and instead relies on extensions (often prefixed with underscores, e.g.,  _MEM,  _OFFSET) to provide  extra functionality when needed.
  

2. Language Features & Syntax

• Syntax Similarities: Both languages present a familiar BASIC syntax—no line numbers, intuitive keywords like  PRINT,  CLS,
  LOCATE , and a procedural, imperative style that harkens back to the QB era.
  
• Extended Capabilities in FreeBASIC: FreeBASIC offers several modern enhancements:
  • Pointers & Inline Assembly: Gives you more direct control over memory and performance-critical code.
    
  • User-Defined Types (UDTs) and Advanced Data Structures: Allow for more complex program architectures.
    
  • C Interoperability: Lets you interface with external libraries and APIs directly.
    
• QB64’s QB-Centric Approach: QB64’s syntax is made to closely emulate QuickBASIC’s behavior:
  • High QB Compatibility: You can usually run legacy QB code with minimal changes.
    
  • Minimalist Extensions: It adds new functionalities (often using underscore-prefixed keywords), but deliberately avoids introducing certain features—such as pointers—to maintain a simpler, more predictable environment.
    

3. Compilation and Performance

• FreeBASIC: FreeBASIC compiles code into native executables typically via GCC. Many users have observed that FreeBASIC produces highly optimized binaries. For example, in certain demos (such as fast loops or graphic routines), FreeBASIC code might run so fast that developers need to introduce explicit delays. This performance is attributed in part to its ability to generate low-level C/C++ code tailored for speed.
  
• QB64 Phoenix Edition: While QB64 also compiles to C/C++ behind the scenes, benchmark comparisons (as discussed in community threads 2) sometimes show that QB64-compiled programs run slower—especially in graphics-intensive demos. A contributing factor appears to be differences in the underlying graphic stack; QB64 uses SDL2 for handling graphics, which can offer stable and consistent rendering at the cost of raw processing speed.
  

4. IDE and Tooling

• FreeBASIC: FreeBASIC does not come with an official full-featured IDE by default. Many users opt for external editors or community-created IDE solutions. This approach gives you the flexibility to integrate with your preferred tools but may require extra setup for newcomers.
  
• QB64 Phoenix Edition: QB64 includes its own text-mode IDE reminiscent of the original QuickBASIC environment. This integrated development environment (IDE) is especially attractive to users who prefer an all-in-one package where editing, compiling, and running code are packaged together.
  

5. Platform Support and Community

• Platform Support: Both languages aim at modern platforms:
  • FreeBASIC runs primarily on Windows and Linux—and it even has support for DOS.
    
  • QB64 Phoenix Edition is designed to be cross-platform, supporting Windows, Linux, and macOS.
    
• Community and Ecosystem:
  • FreeBASIC has a long-standing and active community that values its advanced features and open design. Its ecosystem supports a wide range of applications—from simple demos to more complex projects.
    
  • QB64 Phoenix Edition attracts users who are particularly interested in preserving and extending the QuickBASIC experience. The community tends to focus on educational projects, retro-game development, and ease of transition for those coming from a QB background.
    

Conclusion
Both FreeBASIC and QB64 Phoenix Edition are strong choices for programmers interested in a modern BASIC dialect, but they serve slightly different goals:

• Choose FreeBASIC if you want:
  • More advanced features like pointers, structured data types, and direct C interoperability.
    
  • Maximum performance and flexibility dfor a broader range of applications.
    
  • A modern take on BASIC that moves beyond strict QB compatibility.
    
• Choose QB64 Phoenix Edition if you value:
  • A near drop-in replacement for QuickBASIC, ideal for running legacy code or learning in a familiar environment.
    
  • An integrated development environment that simplifies coding for beginners or for those with nostalgic ties.
    
  • Stable and predictable behavior without the complexity of lower-level features.
    

Which option is best depends on your project needs and whether you prioritize extended language capabilities or faithful QuickBASIC compatibility.

[johnno56]

One of my earliest Basic's was QB... I rarely use it anymore. I prefer QB64pe and have done so for many years. I try to keep my Basic-like languages to a minimum... N7, RCBasic and QB64pe... All of them are similar in many ways. One of the reasons I enjoy conversions... lol  Some years ago, I used to have FreeBasic installed, although quite similar to QB64pe, QB64pe had a better IDE and documentation (in my opinion)....

[luwal]

One of my earliest Basic's was QB... I rarely use it anymore. I prefer QB64pe and have done so for many years. I try to keep my Basic-like languages to a minimum... N7, RCBasic and QB64pe... All of them are similar in many ways. One of the reasons I enjoy conversions... lol  Some years ago, I used to have FreeBasic installed, although quite similar to QB64pe, QB64pe had a better IDE and documentation (in my opinion)....

Ok...I see.