CLI Interface¶

The command-line interface (CLI) provides a traditional BASIC REPL experience.

Starting the CLI¶

python3 mbasic

Or run a program directly:

python3 mbasic program.bas

Command Mode¶

When you start MBASIC, you see the Ok prompt:

Ok
_

You can type: - Direct commands - Execute immediately (e.g., PRINT 2+2) - Program lines - Start with a line number (e.g., 10 PRINT "Hello") - System commands - LIST, RUN, NEW, etc.

Direct Mode¶

Execute statements immediately without line numbers:

Ok
PRINT 2 + 2
 4
Ok

Program Mode¶

Enter program lines with line numbers:

Ok
10 PRINT "Hello, World!"
20 END
Ok
LIST
10 PRINT "Hello, World!"
20 END
Ok
RUN
Hello, World!
Ok

Common Commands¶

Command	Description
RUN	Run the current program
LIST	Display program lines
NEW	Clear the program from memory
SAVE "file"	Save program to disk
LOAD "file"	Load program from disk
RENUM	Renumber program lines
AUTO	Start automatic line numbering
SYSTEM	Exit MBASIC

Line Editing¶

The CLI includes a line editor accessed with the EDIT command:

Ok
EDIT 10

See: EDIT Command

Automatic Line Numbering¶

Use AUTO to enter lines without typing numbers:

Ok
AUTO
10 PRINT "Line 1"
20 PRINT "Line 2"
30 PRINT "Line 3"
40 ^C
Ok

Press {{kbd:stop:cli}} to stop AUTO mode.

See: AUTO Command

File Operations¶

Save your work:

Ok
SAVE "program.bas"
Ok

Load a program:

Ok
LOAD "program.bas"
Ok

Merge programs:

Ok
MERGE "addon.bas"
Ok

Error Messages¶

When an error occurs, MBASIC shows the error and line number:

Ok
RUN
?Type mismatch in 20
Ok

Use EDIT to fix line 20.

Keyboard Shortcuts¶

Key	Action
{{kbd:stop:cli}}	Interrupt running program
Ctrl+D	Exit MBASIC (Unix/Linux)
Ctrl+Z	Exit MBASIC (Windows)
Up/Down	Command history (if available)

Tips¶

Save often - Use SAVE after making changes
Use AUTO - Faster than typing line numbers
LIST before RUN - Check your program first
RENUM regularly - Keep line numbers clean