Metacommand
From QB64 Wiki
Qbasic Metacommands are program wide commands that start with $. QBasic requires them to be commented out.
QB Syntax:
- 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
- $SCREENSHOW 'displays the main QB64 program window
- Qbasic Metacommands are normally used at the program start and are in effect throughout the program.
- Qbasic 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.
- $DYNAMIC allows larger arrays that are changeable in size. Use REDIM for changeable sizes! _PRESERVE preserves contents.
- $STATIC makes all arrays unchangeable in size. Use DIM only! ERASE and CLEAR do not affect the array size.
- Qbasic Metacommands should have their own program line because they are commented.
- $INCLUDE can be used at the beginning or at the end of program SUB procedures. Referencing elsewhere creates an error!
- Do NOT comment the QB64 specific Metacommands listed below!:
- $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. Command uses no spacing!
- $CONSOLE creates a console window which can be turned off with CONSOLE OFF. CONSOLE ON can only be used after OFF!
- $SCREENHIDE hides the QB64 program window throughout the program until $SCREENSHOW is used.
- Do NOT comment or REM QB64 specific Metacommands and do not place comments after them!
See also: