PowerBASIC
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PowerBASIC is a dialect of the BASIC programming language. Its syntax is similar to that of GW Basic, QBasic, and Turbo Basic. It compiles to native code on PCs. The executable files it creates are almost as compact as those written directly in Assembly Language, run fast, and require no runtime files. Unlike Visual Basic with its large runtime overhead, it is common for a sophisticated application written in PowerBASIC to be so small it fits on a diskette.
PowerBASIC compilers are made by PowerBASIC Inc. of Venice, Florida. The commercial DOS version began as Turbo BASIC, published by Borland International.
PowerBASIC is available for two platforms: Win32 and DOS. There are two Win32 versions, Console (PB/CC) and Windows (PB/Win). The DOS version and the executables it creates can run under Windows as well as DOS.
PowerBASIC is a popular alternative to Microsoft’s Visual Basic and compares well with C in terms of power. The Windows version PB/Win can create both executables and DLLs. The programs created by both Windows versions can access independent DLLs if desired.
Although PowerBASIC's syntax is similar to that used in other BASIC languages, PowerBASIC contains additional syntax forms, functions, and procedures not available in other BASIC languages. In addition, PowerBASIC supports insertion of inline Assembly Language directly within PowerBASIC routines.