Rapid-Q is a BASIC-like programming language for the 32-bit multiplatform. It
provides graphical user interfaces (GUI) and CONSOLE programs. The
compiler is actually an interpreter for Windows, Linux, and Unix. Rapid-Q
compiles your BASIC source code into byte-code, which is normally attached
to an interpreter, but can also be run from other programming languages
using specialized DLLs. Also Rapid-Q supports partial object-oriented
programming. If you're familiar with either QBasic, PowerBasic, or even
VisualBasic, you'll be able to program in Rapid-Q in no time. The overall goal
of the project was to provide an alternative BASIC programming language
that's not only FREE, but good and easy to use. Rapid-Q is constantly being
improved by public support.
The Rapid-Q compiler was written and developed by William Yu. The final
release of the software was in BETA testing stage. However, Mr. Yu sold the
rights to the owner of RealBASIC(c). Now William Yu no longer supports
Rapid-Q. Do not even think about contacting either William Yu or the staff of
RealBASIC about Rapid-Q. They would prefer you buy their BASIC compiler.
Just because Rapid-Q was released in Beta stage doesn't mean the compiler
is not fully functional! Rapid-Q can make very useable programs of
significant complexity. Also don't expect the compiler to become "open
source."
In Mr. Yu's words, "Being a BASIC programmer at heart, I looked through the
eyes of a user, and added the features and ease of use that I like to see in a
good programming language... Perhaps in the future, some of these features
will become standard in all BASIC languages. The advanced features that
Rapid-Q offers need not be used at all, but is available when you get more
comfortable with the language itself. For example, Rapid-Q offers
object/component creation, function pointers, procedures with infinite
parameters, variants, while still maintaining all the fundamental features that
most BASIC programmers are familiar with, ie. GOTO, GOSUB, line
numbers, etc. This makes converting legacy code much easier. The only
feature which deviates from traditional BASIC languages is file handling. I
believe that once you understand how file and memory streams work, this
can be a huge benefit, rather than a hassle.
The best way to learn is by example. It really isn't enough just to look at it and
say "Uh huh, yeah." Take some time to take it apart and rewrite the code
yourself. Trial and error is always a good way of learning. It seems we learn
more by our mistakes, this is also true for programming. Yes, you'll have
many nights of frustration when your code just doesn't seem to run properly,
but once that bug is found, you'll be dancing around like there's no tomorrow.
There is still a large community of contributors to the Rapid-Q language.
However, you are "on your own" with Rapid-Q. You too can contribute to the
development of the language and keep this Free, simple and easy-to-use
compiler alive.
QChartist uses the RapidQ language and compiler.