Small Basic https://docs.microsoft.com/archive/blogs/smallbasic/feed.xml The Official Blog of Microsoft Small Basic Thu, 21 Feb 2019 20:34:34 GMT en-US hourly 1 Small Basic Blog - The Blog is Moving! The Blog is Moving! https://docs.microsoft.com/archive/blogs/smallbasic/small-basic-blog-the-blog-is-moving-the-blog-is-moving Wed, 20 Feb 2019 18:23:31 GMT https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/smallbasic/?p=11445
  • Join us at the new Small Basic Blog!
    • Here's what it looks like, over at the Tech Community: All the blog posts are already migrated, so you can go find your favorites! This blog will be gone off the face of the planet (all URLs and content deleted) on March 20th. But, what??? My precious MSDN blogs are closing? Why???? The "why" is kind of like pressing a reboot button to wipe out old content. For the "what" answer... Tech Community is very robust and active, so we'll probably feel like we're part of a community more than we have here. It's going to be a good and important improvement. We'll miss the profile integration across the MSDN/TechNet social sites (although the Tech Community profile system also has a ton of fun recognition awards), and we'll miss the blog features (like the panel on the right), but we'll also see more features light up there (in the future), and it will begin to feel more like home, as we go. So this is one of those "Who moved my cheese?" type of scenarios. Pretty soon, we'll be glad about the move (I'm already enjoying the robust community, the transparent view data, and the blog tiles with image previews). And I'm happy to announce that the new blog sits in the Education Sector section of blogs and conversation spaces: So go check out our new blog and join the Microsoft Tech Community! Subscribe to our feed over there, and click Share at the bottom of the blog posts to share our posts on Twitter and LinkedIn. Thank you, Small Basic Community, for all your devotion! We're looking forward to our future! So that's it! Go join us over there! All our blog posts will be found on Tech Community from now on.   Small and Basically leaving MSDN, - Ninja Ed]]>         Announcing Small Basic Online 1.0 - Public Preview https://docs.microsoft.com/archive/blogs/smallbasic/announcing-the-small-basic-online-1-0-public-preview Fri, 08 Feb 2019 11:45:06 GMT https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/smallbasic/?p=11405 Small Basic Online 0.91 (our second SBO release). The goal was to move toward an open source version of Small Basic Online (and eventually Small Basic Desktop as well), and this (SBO 1.0) is it! Omar T and Hannah Smiltneek created this prototype for us! WHAT'S NEW Note that this list is What's New in comparison to Small Basic Online 0.91. We're not working toward parity with Small Basic Desktop until after Small Basic Online 1.0 ships. Here's what's new (not in Small Basic Online 0.91):
    1. Modern look and feel that is still colorful with big, simple buttons
    2. New Libraries pane on the left to explore each object and method (this gets the user even more familiar with the Visual Studio UI structure)
    3. Hover Hints: hover over an object or method to get a description
    4. New Debugger
    5. Save & Open files - This is an improvement over our current SBO and a step toward parity with SB Desktop! You can now save your files locally. And...
    6. TXT file format - We're introducing the idea of saving and loading TXT files instead of SB files. This makes file sharing, edits, and uploads easier, especially when you switch back and forth between using SB Online and SB Desktop. (Note that SB Desktop won't support this on that end until the release of Small Basic 2.)
    In addition, we are able to build from the GitHub repo to create a Desktop version as well. That's an important infrastructure step. We plan to release this version (currently in public preview) as Small Basic Online 1.0 (replacing our SBO 0.91). After that, we plan to work toward Small Basic Desktop parity and release Small Basic 2.0 to both Online and Desktop, simultaneously, from the same code base! The new Libraries pane feature: Features of the new Debugger: QUESTION: What is SuperBasic?

    That's just the project name. The product/official name is "Small Basic Online 1.0." (Technically the project name is really SuperBasic2.) =^)

    What's the difference between SuperBasic1 and SuperBasic2? Well, we're starting to get into the weeds, but they were both prototypes for SB Online 1.0. SuperBasic1 (https://aka.ms/SuperBasic) was open source and introduced the Debugger. SuperBasic2 finished adding in the libraries and added the other new features (Modern look, Libraries pane, Hover Hints, Save & Open, TXT file format). That's our current prototype for public preview: https://aka.ms/SBOnline/Vnext

    QUESTION: Where is this prototype/preview going?

    This preview will launch on https://SmallBasic.com as Small Basic Online 1.0. It will replace the current version of Small Basic Online (version 0.91). But first, we're going to fix the known issues. So the Import and Publish features will be working by then (for example).

    QUESTION: What about Small Basic Desktop?

    After releasing Small Basic Online 1.0 (with big improvements over SBO 0.91... and even some features that improve over Small Basic Desktop), our goal is to release versions of Small Basic Online (between the 1.0 and 2.0 release) that gives us parity with Small Basic Desktop. Then, once ready, we will release Small Basic 2.0, with both the Desktop and Online versions, both from the same codebase (open source here: https://github.com/sb/smallbasic-editor). So that means SB Desktop will have the Debugger, the modern UI, the Libraries pane, etc. And SB Online will have parity with Desktop. We're already making great progress toward this goal, where we're able to build a desktop app from our GitHub repo. So some major infrastructure is already built for our 2.0 release. One thing to note is that we plan to have extensions in Small Basic 2, but that would only be for Desktop. That basically means you'd have to have downloaded SB Desktop in order to use extensions. But I think that's the basic expectation anyway.

    KNOWN ISSUES Here is our list of known issues with this public preview:
    1. Long initial load time.
    2. The Import and Publish buttons aren't connected yet. We plan to do that when we integrate the prototype into our SmallBasic.com website.
    3. The turtle doesn't show on the Microsoft Edge browser. Google Chrome works fine.
    4. The cursor isn't active in the TextWindow (you have to click into it). NOW FIXED!
    5. See the full list of known issues on GitHub: https://github.com/sb/smallbasic-editor/issues
    We plan to fix the known issues. HELP US! What we could use your help with:
    1. Help us find more bugs/issues! Just reply below with the issues you find. We'll add them to GitHub. Or, if you're comfortable with GitHub (and have the time), you can add the issues here: https://github.com/sb/smallbasic-editor/issues
    2. We need to ensure parity with Small Basic Online 0.91 (the version on our website now... https://aka.ms/SBOnline). Please help us compare the two to make sure we've reached parity! (Desktop parity will be coming later.)
    Thank you in advance for your help! Small and Basically still around after over 10 years of Small Basic, Ed Price]]>         Play with Morse Code in Small Basic (2) https://docs.microsoft.com/archive/blogs/smallbasic/play-with-morse-code-in-small-basic-2 Fri, 25 Jan 2019 05:44:22 GMT https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/smallbasic/?p=11335 the last my post.

    Morse code player by Tryhest

    This program SVP811 downloads Morse code audio files from Wikipedia and plays them.  It needs LitDev Extension.  To run this program I rewrote the drive letters "e:" to "d:" for my PC. Screen shot of a program Plays Morse Code from Wikipedia

    Second step for Morse Telegraph Key

    This version NHT122-0 shows Morse code as you type (any keys except space or return).  The goal of this program will be converting Morse code to Alphabet.  Thanks. Screen shot of a program Morse Telegraph Key 0.2a]]>         Play with Morse Code in Small Basic (1) https://docs.microsoft.com/archive/blogs/smallbasic/play-with-morse-code-in-small-basic-1 Sat, 19 Jan 2019 20:46:47 GMT https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/smallbasic/?p=11305 Challenges about Morse code Following three challenges are about Morse code.  And for example, program TCZ203 (by NaochanON) is a solution of a challenge (in October 2011). Screen shot of a program Morse Signal

    First step for Morse Telegraph Key

    I started to write a new program Morse Telegraph Key.  Program ID NHT122 is the first version 0.1a.  This program just shows durations in millisecond between key down and key up.  I will continue to modify this program and will report it on this blog later.  Thanks. Screen shot of a program Morse Telegraph Key 0.1a

    Known Issues

    • Keys space and return (enter) are not be available after click the Reset button.
    • After click the text box, durations are not displayed correctly.  Push Reset button to avoid that.
    ]]>         January 2019 Small Basic Challenges!!! https://docs.microsoft.com/archive/blogs/smallbasic/january-2019-small-basic-challenges Sat, 12 Jan 2019 09:01:38 GMT https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/smallbasic/?p=11275 GREAT FUN! Please post your solutions / partial solutions / questions / feedback etc. into this thread that will remain 'sticky' for the month.  The only rule is that your solution must use standard Small Basic methods (no extensions). Here is the forum thread. It would be good if people could post their problems with these challenges so that a discussion can start so that everyone can learn from each other. Graphics Challenge
    • Draw a picture of a space ship
    • Give it a cool space starry background
    • Draw the phases of the moon
    What's your moon phase personality? | Wishing Moon Turtle Challenge Use the Turtle to draw a coloured 'tartan' checked pattern Use different pen widths and transparency and maybe the same repeating pattern vertcally and horizontally using subroutines Farquharson Ancient Medium Weight Tartan Fabric ... Geometry Challenges
    • Write a program to draw a pentagon
    • Write a program to draw a 5 pointed star
    • Write a program to draw a cog
    • Write a program to draw a cog wheel that rotates
    • Write a program with two meshed cogs that turn
    • Finally, white a program with 3 or more meshed rotating cogs
    Silhouette Gears On A White Background Stock Footage Video ... GUI Challenge White an interface with buttons to move backwards and forwards through a list of options. Each time the an option is selected new options are presented from the list. The list could be anything, perhaps the colours of the rainbow. Add an image or description of the currently selected item. Try using partially transparent buttons covering textboxes to change the buttons' text. Do you have an idea or a future challenge? Please post it here!   Small and Basically yours, LitDev & Ninja Ed!    ]]>         Who will be announced as the next Small Basic Guru? Read more about the January 2019 competition!! https://docs.microsoft.com/archive/blogs/smallbasic/who-will-be-announced-as-the-next-small-basic-guru-read-more-about-the-january-2019-competition Thu, 10 Jan 2019 09:43:37 GMT https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/smallbasic/?p=11265

    What is the TechNet Guru Competition?

    Each month the TechNet Wiki council organizes a contest of the best articles posted that month. This is your chance to be announced as a MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY GURU OF THE MONTH! One winner in each category will be selected each month for glory and adoration by the MSDN/TechNet Ninjas and community as a whole. Winners will be announced in dedicated blog post that will be published in Microsoft Wiki Ninjas blog, a tweet from the Wiki Ninjas Twitter account, links will be published at Microsoft TNWiki group on Facebook, and other acknowledgement from the community will follow. Some of our biggest community voices and many MVPs have passed through these halls on their way to fame and fortune. If you have already made a contribution in the forums or gallery or you published a nice blog, then you can simply convert it into a shared wiki article, reference the original post, and register the article for the TechNet Guru Competition. The articles must be written in January 2019 and must be in English. However, the original blog or forum content can be from before January 2019. Come and see who is making waves in all your favorite technologies. Maybe it will be you!

    Who can join the Competition?

    Anyone who has basic knowledge and the desire to share the knowledge is welcome. Articles can appeal to beginners or discusse advanced topics. All you have to do is to add your article to TechNet Wiki from your own specialty category.

    How can you win?

    1. Please copy/Write over your Microsoft technical solutions and revelations to TechNetWiki.
    2. Add a link to your new article on THIS WIKI COMPETITION PAGE (so we know you've contributed)
    3. (Optional but recommended) Add a link to your article at the TechNetWiki group on Facebook. The group is very active and people love to help, you can get feedback and even direct improvements in the article before the contest starts.

    Do you have any question or want more information?

    Feel free to ask any questions below, or Join us at the official Microsoft TechNet Wiki groups on Facebook. Read More about the TechNet Guru Awards. If you win, people will sing your praises online and your name will be raised as Guru of the Month. PS: The above top banner came from Vimal Kalathil. ]]>         Drawing Many Shapes with Combination of Small Basic Shapes https://docs.microsoft.com/archive/blogs/smallbasic/drawing-many-shapes-with-combination-of-small-basic-shapes Sat, 05 Jan 2019 21:49:36 GMT https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/smallbasic/?p=11205 "Drawing Shapes A-Z Notebook" about that. This version of document contains following shapes. Connected Circles (JLD998) Screen shot of a program Connected Circles Round Triangle (TBS366) Screen shot of a program Round Triangle and Round Hat Leaf (SWQ334) Screen shot of a program Leaf Trapezoid (RSQ369) Screen shot of a program Trapezoid Parallelogram (QWF833) Screen shot of a program Parallelogram Enjoy Small Basic shapes!  Thanks.]]> December Small Basic Challenges https://docs.microsoft.com/archive/blogs/smallbasic/december-small-basic-challenges Fri, 21 Dec 2018 09:34:51 GMT https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/smallbasic/?p=11195 LitDev are intended for people who are learning to program for the first time or for those returning to programming who want to start using Small Basic.  Some will be easy, some will be hard - but they will all make you think, and more importantly be GREAT FUN! Please post your solutions / partial solutions / questions / feedback etc. into this thread that will remain 'sticky' for the month.  The only rule is that your solution must use standard Small Basic methods (no extensions). It would be good if people could post their problems with these challenges so that a discussion can start so that everyone can learn from each other. We may extend these challenges over into a second month if solutions and questions are still coming in. Maths Challenge Write a program that outputs all possibilities to put + or - or nothing between the numbers 1,2,…,9 (in this order) such that the result is 100. For example 1 + 2 + 3 - 4 + 5 + 6 + 78 + 9 = 100 Quick Text Challenges Write a program to enter a word or sentence, then do one of the following:
    • Find the longest word in a sentence
    • Sort the letters to print them in alphabetical order
    • Replace every letter with the letter following it in the alphabet (c becomes d, z becomes a)
    • Capitalize every vowel
    • Using the TextWindow, print each word on a new line in a rectangular frame. For example the sentence "Hello World in a frame" gets printed as:
    Harder Text Challenges Write a program that automatically converts English text to Morse code and vice versa Given two strings, write a program that efficiently finds the longest common subsequence Graphics Challenges Draw a picture of a face with eyes that blink Plot a graph of Sin, Cos and Tan functions File:Mplwp sin cos tan piaxis.svg - Wikimedia Commons Do you have an idea or a future challenge? Please post it here!   Small and Basically yours, LitDev & Ninja Ed]]>         Who will be announced as the next Small Basic Guru? Read more about December 2018 competition! https://docs.microsoft.com/archive/blogs/smallbasic/who-will-be-announced-as-the-next-small-basic-guru-read-more-about-december-2018-competition Thu, 20 Dec 2018 09:33:05 GMT https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/smallbasic/?p=11185

    What is TechNet Guru Competition?

    Each month the TechNet Wiki council organizes a contest of the best articles posted that month. This is your chance to be announced as MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY GURU OF THE MONTH! One winner in each category will be selected each month for glory and adoration by the MSDN/TechNet Ninjas and community as a whole. Winners will be announced in dedicated blog post that will be published in Microsoft Wiki Ninjas blog, a tweet from the Wiki Ninjas Twitter account, links will be published at Microsoft TNWiki group on Facebook, and other acknowledgement from the community will follow. Some of our biggest community voices and many MVPs have passed through these halls on their way to fame and fortune. If you have already made a contribution in the forums or gallery or you published a nice blog, then you can simply convert it into a shared wiki article, reference the original post, and register the article for the TechNet Guru Competition. The articles must be written in December 2018 and must be in English. However, the original blog or forum content can be from before December 2018. Come and see who is making waves in all your favorite technologies. Maybe it will be you!

    Who can join the Competition?

    Anyone who has basic knowledge and the desire to share the knowledge is welcome. Articles can appeal to beginners or discusse advanced topics. All you have to do is to add your article to TechNet Wiki from your own specialty category.

    How can you win?

    1. Please copy/Write over your Microsoft technical solutions and revelations to TechNetWiki.
    2. Add a link to your new article on THIS WIKI COMPETITION PAGE (so we know you've contributed)
    3. (Optional but recommended) Add a link to your article at the TechNetWiki group on Facebook. The group is very active and people love to help, you can get feedback and even direct improvements in the article before the contest starts.

    Do you have any question or want more information?

    Feel free to ask any questions below, or Join us at the official MicrosoftTechNet Wiki groups on facebook. Read More about TechNet Guru Awards. If you win, people will sing your praises online and your name will be raised as Guru of the Month. PS: The above top banner came from Vimal Kalathil. ]]>         Exospheric Freight Service - Small Basic Featured Game https://docs.microsoft.com/archive/blogs/smallbasic/exospheric-freight-service-small-basic-featured-game Fri, 09 Nov 2018 01:59:14 GMT https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/smallbasic/?p=11145 avator of cvmarus The program ID is QTN895.  This game requires LitDev Extension 1.2.20.0.  Following message is written by cvmarus in our forum thread.  Thank you cvmarus for sharing your game! Please post your original game or program to our forum thread here.

    Exospheric Freight Service   (A Space Simulation Game)

    The  Original small basic code QTN895 (With web assets)

    EXFS  Zip file updated with bug fixes, save game feature (suggested by litdev), and local assets.

    Download and save the zip somewhere Unblock the downloaded zip file (this allows the unzipped exe and dlls to be used): Locate the downloaded zip in File Explorer, then right click -> Properties -> General -> Unblock Unzip the contents of the zip somewhere, maybe an empty folder in Documents Run exfs.exe

    EXFS is a 3D space simulation that places you as the pilot driver of a loader vehicle. You must move shipping containers from a storage unit to a transport vehicle. The latest LD extension is required. Graphic Images in the Zip version are local assets.

    ]]>