Essential TK GUI Features¶
The Tkinter GUI provides powerful features for BASIC development.
Smart Insert ({{kbd:smart_insert:tk}})¶
The fastest way to add code between existing lines!
Example:
Press {{kbd:smart_insert:tk}} on line 10 → Automatically inserts line 15!
No mental math required.
Syntax Checking¶
The editor checks syntax as you type (100ms delay).
- Red ? appears in gutter for errors
- Error message shown in output pane
- Fix the error → ? disappears automatically
Breakpoints¶
Set breakpoints: - Click line number in gutter - Or press {{kbd:toggle_breakpoint:tk}} - Blue ● appears
Debug with: - {{kbd:step_statement:tk}} - Execute next statement - {{kbd:step_line:tk}} - Execute next line - {{kbd:continue_execution:tk}} - Continue to next breakpoint
Variables Window ({{kbd:toggle_variables:tk}})¶
Shows all variables with: - Name (case preserved - displays as you typed!) - Value - Type (integer, float, string, array)
Updates in real-time during debugging.
Execution Stack ({{kbd:toggle_stack:tk}})¶
Shows active FOR loops and GOSUB calls. Perfect for understanding nested structures.
Find and Replace¶
Find text ({{kbd:find:tk}}): - Opens Find dialog with search options - Case sensitive and whole word matching - Press F3 to find next occurrence
Replace text ({{kbd:replace:tk}}): - Opens combined Find/Replace dialog - Find and replace single or all occurrences - Visual highlighting of matches - Shows replacement count
Note: {{kbd:find:tk}} opens the Find dialog. {{kbd:replace:tk}} opens the Find/Replace dialog which includes both Find and Replace functionality.
Context Help (Shift+F1)¶
Get instant help for any BASIC keyword: - Place cursor on a keyword (like PRINT, FOR, GOTO) - Press Shift+F1 - Help page for that keyword opens automatically - Quick way to look up syntax and examples
More Features¶
For complete details, see: - Getting Started - Common Workflows - Settings & Configuration