Metacommand

Qbasic Metacommands are program wide commands that start with $. QB requires them to be commented out.

QB == Syntax ==

REM $INCLUDE: 'QB.BI' 'loads a reference file or library

REM $DYNAMIC 'enables resizing of array dimensions with REDIM

REM $STATIC 'arrays cannot be resized once dimensioned

QB64 == Syntax ==

$CHECKING:{OFF|ON} 'disables QB64 C++ event checking (no spaces)

$CONSOLE 'creates a QB64 console window throughout the program

$SCREENHIDE 'hides the QB64 program window throughout the program until $SCREENSHOW is used

$SCREENSHOW 'displays the main QB64 program window throughout the program after $SCREENHIDE has been used

Qbasic Metacommands

Qbasic Metacommands are normally used at the program start and are in effect throughout the program.
Metacommands are always prefixed with $ and MUST be commented with an apostrophe or REM.
$INCLUDE is always followed by a colon and the full text code file name is commented on both sides.
$STATIC and $DYNAMIC determine the type of arrays the program will use at the start of the program module.

QB64 Metacommands

QB64 does not require a comment or REM before any Metacommand. Do NOT comment QB64 specific Metacommands!
$CHECKING: OFF should only be used with errorless code where every CPU cycle counts! Use ON to re-enable event checking. Event checking can be turned OFF or ON throughout a program. Commands have no spaces and are NOT commented out!
$INCLUDE can be used at the beginning or at the end of program SUB procedures. Reference elsewhere create an error!
$STATIC makes all arrays STATIC or unchangeable in size. Use DIM only!
$DYNAMIC allows larger arrays that are changeable in size. Use REDIM for changeable sizes! _PRESERVE preserves contents.
Metacommands should have their own program line when commented. Commenting Metacommands is NOT required in QB64!

See also