There are a great number of people who decide not to give programming a try because the complexity of coding environments and programming languages gives them a major wrong impression about what programming is and how it feels. It is quite surprising to realize how the language, the size of the framework, and the documentation complexity can make that first step so hard. They can make the whole process a nightmare even before that first step is taken. Microsoft Small Basic is designed as a highly simplified programming language. It also provides an easy-to-use environment on Windows. It removes the main hindrance to programming.
In fact, it is designed around the idea that only the main concepts should be taught. Unnecessary features are not present at all. So, it is very easy to see why this language is so popular among schools, teachers, and adults. They want to learn the building blocks of coding before finally learning other languages with advanced features.
Great Way to Learn by Changing Things
It is hard to find a better feature of Microsoft Small Basic than the minimalistic UI. The code editor is clutter-free and offers plenty of possibilities for composing code, executing code, and immediately getting the output. Moreover, syntax highlighting, intellisense, and other niceties will make the life of a beginner programmer much simpler while he/she is learning variables, loops, and conditionals. Small Basic is capable of producing graphics or interactive applications that, besides helping in learning, also give learners a very tangible and visible proof of progress. Usually, that is the kind of motivation that keeps people going even when things become difficult.
Where It Works Well, and Where It Does Not
Microsoft Small Basic is a great tool. It gives a taste of programming and problem solving. It keeps beginners in their comfort zone. Installation takes a few seconds, and it doesn’t pollute your system with any new (sub)systems or drivers. It is a language with minimalistic features, and this does not discourage beginners from focusing on the basics of programming. However, the lack of features will eventually force advanced users to give up on Small Basic. And look for another, more powerful language. It may be that the user learns enough through Small Basic. Even when switching languages, the learning curve will not be steep. Since, really, what is acquired is the foundation rather than the language.
Solid Partner for the Classroom
Microsoft Small Basic fits perfectly in education by helping students concentrate on coding problems without them having to get lost in tools and configurations that professionals use. Programming assignments can be done without much fuss on the part of the instructor, and the learners can play with the language freely. The quick build and run cycle promotes refactoring, and the easy-to-understand nature of Small Basic projects allows better self-correction. All this results in a more efficient learning process.
Most suitable for complete beginners and Learning Settings Only
Microsoft Small Basic is not for those who desire to have powerful and extensive tools and capabilities, but rather for those who know very little or nothing about programming at all. Apart from beginner users of all ages in potluck home coding, this language also finds itself a good set of users through the schools and the coding clubs. It gives users a highly simplified way of understanding the fundamentals of programming, and it also manages to explain the fundamentals even to those who did not want to do programming at all.
Those who are using Small Basic on Windows will certainly find comfort in this. It works as a first step. It helps before moving to more complex tools. But even if users of Small Basic want to extend their reach, they need to switch, in no time, to more advanced environments. Nonetheless, Small Basic remains quite an efficient teaching and learning tool. It stresses the importance of acquiring machine-code-level programming skills needed for experimentation. It also helps build programming confidence.