The Howdy Glossary

Microsoft Small Basic is an educational programming language tailored for beginners, especially students. It features a user-friendly interface and simple syntax for creating games and interactive programs. The language introduces users to object-oriented programming concepts within Microsoft's development ecosystem, utilizing tools like IntelliSense to assist coding and provide immediate error feedback.

Developed by Microsoft employee Vijaye Raji, Small Basic was envisioned as a platform specifically designed for young learners and programming enthusiasts. The primary goal was to make coding accessible and engaging, resulting in an educational tool that simplifies the learning curve of programming concepts. Users can create interactive applications while being guided towards more advanced languages like Visual Basic .NET.

Small Basic competes with other educational programming languages such as Scratch, Python, and Blockly but stands out due to its integration with Microsoft's ecosystem. This seamless transition from foundational concepts in Small Basic to more complex structures in Visual Basic .NET provides clear progression for learners. Features like IntelliSense, error feedback, and the ability to create practical projects help support beginners effectively within a structured learning environment, making it particularly well-suited for educational purposes targeting young or novice programmers.