The Howdy Glossary

IBM Advanced BASIC was an extension of the BASIC programming language tailored for the OS/2 operating system, featuring object-oriented programming support and advanced functionalities aimed at GUI application development within the Presentation Manager environment. This specialization provided developers with tools to create sophisticated graphical interfaces that were integrated seamlessly with OS/2, leveraging unique features not found in traditional BASIC languages.

While IBM Advanced BASIC offered robust capabilities for developing OS/2-specific GUI applications, it faced significant competition from other languages and development environments popular during its era. Microsoft Visual Basic and C++ with the Windows API were particularly strong competitors, catering to the rapidly growing Windows platform. As OS/2's market relevance declined in the 1990s, these Windows-based tools gained prominence, challenging IBM Advanced BASIC’s position within its niche market.

The distinct advantage of IBM Advanced BASIC lay in its deep integration with the OS/2 ecosystem and its support for object-oriented programming. These aspects allowed developers to create more structured and efficient applications that utilized OS/2-specific resources effectively. Despite this integration and modern approach to programming, it was ultimately overshadowed by tools better aligned with the prevailing industry standards centered around Windows development platforms.