Getting Started with Tkinter GUI

Welcome to the MBASIC graphical IDE! This guide will help you get started quickly.

Starting the GUI

mbasic --ui tk [filename.bas]

Or to use the default curses UI:

mbasic [filename.bas]

Interface Layout

┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Menu Bar: File, Edit, Run, View, Help             │
├─────────┬──────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Line #  │  Editor Window                           │
│  Gutter │  - Write your BASIC program here         │
│         │  - Line numbers in left gutter           │
│  10     │  - Breakpoints marked with ●             │
│  20  ●  │  - Syntax errors marked with ?           │
│  30  ?  │  - Current execution line highlighted    │
├─────────┴──────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Output Window                                      │
│ - Program output appears here                      │
│ - Error messages and status                        │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Your First Program

1. Type your program:

   10 PRINT "Hello, World!"
   20 END
   

2. Run it: Press {{kbd:run_program}} or Run → Run Program

3. See output: Check the output window below the editor

Congratulations! You've run your first MBASIC program.

Essential Shortcuts

Shortcut	Action
{{kbd:run_program}}	Run program
{{kbd:save_file}}	Save file
{{kbd:smart_insert}}	Insert line between existing lines
{{kbd:toggle_breakpoint}}	Toggle breakpoint
{{kbd:toggle_variables}}	Show/hide variables window

Next Steps

• Essential Features - Learn about Smart Insert, Breakpoints, etc.
• Common Workflows - Step-by-step guides
• Keyboard Shortcuts - Complete reference

← Back to Tk GUI Help