Description

Work In Progress!

• An example of a module-based program written in QuickBASIC (QBX).
• Created for the challenge and fun of it, but it could be useful for something.
• Don't expect regular updates to this project, consider it archived.

Development

Compiler Version

• Created in and for Microsoft (R) QuickBASIC Extended v7.1 (PDS).
• Developed on DOSBox-X 2025.05.03 (SDL2). Reported DOS version 5.00.

Highlights

General Features

• Commented code where relevant, to follow what each module does.
• Default mouse cursor shape is set from internal DATA statements.
• Excluding comments, the main application loop is only five lines long!
• Exclusively uses Future.Library for memory, mouse, and screen graphics.
• First sixteen colors are defined as constants with appropriate names.
• Most arrays (except the shared 'Menu' array) are erased after each use.
• Mouse cursors inspired by the pioneering icon artwork of Susan Kare.
• No external programs used, except for a few shelled DOS commands.
• Rudimentary framework as a foundation for a menubar-based program.
• Screen states are saved to and retrieved from available XMS memory.
• Structured around 'Manager' sub-routines that handle specific tasks.
• User-defined types as data structures for all arrays and global variables.
• Using a 'structured programming' paradigm, no spaghetti code here!
• Web-links below were working when the project was last updated.

Known Issues

• Example screenshot above is twice the screen mode of 640 x 480.
• Graphical glitch with the mouse pointer over displayed menus.
• Grey text on the screenshot above is for debugging use only.
• NOT compatible with QuickBASIC 4.5 or earlier versions!
• NOT tested on QB64 (may need tweaking and other things).
• Project assumes that the repo directories are at root of C: drive.
• Screen size currently limited to 640 x 480. See: SCREEN.BAS
• TODO: code comments mark where things need to be done.

Things To Do

• From ActionManager, display a dialog of the triggered action.
• Get Shortcut keys to work on enabled Menu items only!
• MousePreview SUB to display a dialog box for mouse cursors.
• Prevent a crash in MenuOptions if all menu items are disabled.
• Redraw the Menu 'Banner' some point after a mouse click?

Influences

Code examples that helped in some modules.

• MENU.BAS – String manipulations adapted from an example by Ray Thomas.

Libraries

The only library used in this project.

• Future.Library – Copyright © 1999-2000, Future Software.
• Created by Michael Rye Sorensen & Jorden Chamid.

Repository

What is contained in the repo directories?

• BC7 – The Basic Compiler and Future Library. Run QBX.BAT to launch the IDE.
• QBX – This project's directory. Open MAIN.BAS in the IDE to load all modules.
• VSC – Just a Visual Studio Code workspace file, not really that interesting.

Resources

Various sources of related information.

• How To Use Future Lib In Your Programs – Tutorial on installing and the basics of this library.
• Pete’s QBasic / QuickBasic Site – Numerous downloads, reviews, tutorials, and more!
• Phat Code – BASIC-related articles, code, libraries, and web-hosting of other sites!
• Susan Kare, Iconic Designer – Article by the Smithsonian Institution about Susan's influence.

Licenses

• All source code in the QBX directory is under the MIT licence.
• Future.Library 3.50 – Copyright © 1999-2000, Future Software.
• QuickBASIC Extended v7.1 – Copyright © 1989, 1990 Microsoft Corporation.