I agree. BASIC is the first language I learned before I started programming. BASIC is used for small applications and other non-commercial software, only without the programming power of other languages like C++. I learned BASIC by picking up a few books about it at the library. Usually it will give you an introduction to it, like the Acronym, (Beginner's All Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code) and teach you how to declare strings and variables. Then it should tell you how to make Input and Output, With a few operations.
The commands are made to be mostly english, which is why it is a basic language to learn. You can use it widely, especially with Visual Basic, to make cool programs such as word processors, shopping list makers. label printers, and all kinds of things. They will also let you make a stand-alone application that will open by itself instead of having to open the compiler and run it.
A key thing in BASIC to learn is,
With most compilers, to declare a variable as a number, only use a single letter. With words, use a letter(or combinations of letters if you need more variables)with a $ sign at the end.
For example, to say that we have a variable9by the way, a variable just means a symbol that represents what you are telling it to hold.)
We could say,
A=4
or AB=4
or A$="four"
or AB$ = "four"
To get data from the user, you use INPUT
INPUT C
This tells the computer to make the user type in something, and stuff that data into a variable named C. But that would be the case if that were a number. If it were words(a string) then you would use
INPUT C$
You can use any Letter(or letters) you want as the variable, as long as you remember to use the plain letter for a number and a letter with a $ for a string of words. Now, say for example, I wanted to print what the user just typed in on the screen:
INPUT C$
PRINT C$
Print is the OUTPUT command. it doesn't tell the computer to print through a printer, it means to display it on the screen. Now let's make a more useful program that calculates sales tax:
(Note: Sales Tax Rates may vary, if so, change the .06 to the amount per dollar for your area.)
PRINT "Enter the original cost"; INPUT A
Let COST=A*.06
Let Cost2=COST+COST2
PRINT COST2
END
Yes, remember to put the END at the end of the program, and use LET when declaring variables like I did in the program. These are examples of standard BASIC programs. (Not all compilers might support these.) If you use Windows, I would recommend you download a file named 'Just BASIC) Just search for it and you will find it. You can make executables by following the steps it gives. Look in the HELP section for more commands in the language. After you have mastered this, try Visual BASIC. Although it does cost money(It comes from Microsoft, of course), it is still the next language above(Although the same language).
Here is a BASIC tutorial site:
http://www.ece.gatech.edu/research/ccss/testing/docs/basic.html
Visual Basic Tutorial:
http://www.vbtutor.net/vbtutor.html
Here is where you can download Just Basic:
http://www.justbasic.com/download.html
*Microsoft Visual Studio is the development environment where you can get Visual Basic. If you really want to use this(It is a lot easier than standard BASIC development because you can make windows and dialogs and put everything where you want it, and it might be your money's worth if you are a Hardcore Programmer.
The BASIC tutorial site is for absolute beginners and I believe it will help you with all of your BASIC needs. Plus, the web site is free, which a book is not, so you can read it on the web for free and master the language.