This repository contains the ADVBAS v99 library from 1988, an advanced function library for the IBM BASIC Compiler and Microsoft QuickBASIC compilers.

ADVBAS was created to extend the capabilities of the BASIC compiler by providing assembly language routines that:

• Access DOS capabilities more easily
• Improve performance over interpreted BASIC
• Provide functions that couldn't be used in subprograms with the standard compiler
• Reduce memory requirements

This library was designed to work with IBM BASIC Compiler v2.x and any Microsoft QuickBASIC Compiler on PC-DOS/MS-DOS versions 2.0 or higher.

This library was created by Thomas Hanlin III and is copyrighted 1985-1988. As stated in the documentation, this was the final shareware release of ADVBAS (v99, released April 2, 1988), which was superseded by the commercial ProBas library.

• Copy ADVBAS.QLB to your library directory
• Start QuickBASIC with: QB /L ADVBAS

• Copy ADVBAS.EXE to your library directory
• Start QuickBASIC with: QB /L ADVBAS.EXE

• Copy ADVBAS.LIB to your library directory
• When linking, specify "ADVBAS" at the libraries prompt

• This is the shareware version - The assembly source code (SOURCE.ARC) is not included in this repository as it was not freely distributable according to the original license terms.
• This is a historical archive from 1988. The library is no longer maintained or supported.
• Functions have varying compatibility requirements (DOS, BIOS, or hardware clone level)
• Some functions may require specific hardware (PC AT or compatible)

The repository contains the complete ADVBAS distribution files:

Libraries:

• ADVBAS.LIB - ADVBAS library for any (MS/IBM) BASIC compiler
• ADVBAS.EXE - ADVBAS library for QuickBASIC 2.0-3.0 environment
• ADVBAS.QLB - ADVBAS library for QuickBASIC 4.0 environment

Library Creation Files:

• ADVBAS.BS - Text file for automating generic "LIB" library production
• ADVBAS.QB - Text file for automating QB 2-3 "EXE" library production
• ADVBAS.QB4 - Text file for automating QB 4 "QLB" library production
• ADVBAS.XRF - Where ADVBAS routines are located in source and object files
• OBJECT.ZIP - Object files for producing custom ADVBAS library

Documentation:

• READ.ME - Important information on ADVBAS
• WARNING.TXT - Information on nasty bugs in QuickBASIC 2.0 - 4.0
• ADVBAS.DOC - Documentation on ADVBAS routines
• ADVBAS.QRF - ADVBAS quick reference
• CONTRIB.DOC - Printable form for registering ADVBAS
• PROBAS.DOC - Information on ProBas, with order form
• PROBAS.LST - List of all routines in ProBas, with brief descriptions
• ADVBAS.ERR - Errors (oh no!) in previous versions of ADVBAS
• ADVBAS.NEW - What's new in this version of ADVBAS
• FILES.DOC - Listing of all files included with ADVBAS
• SOURCE.DOC - Information about source code

BASIC Demo Programs and Utilities:

• COMBLINE.BAS - Line combiner for BASICA-format programs
• MONKEY.BAS - Display or change file time, date, and attributes
• XREF.BAS - Cross-reference generator for BASICA-format programs

This library represents an important piece of QuickBASIC/BASIC compiler history. ADVBAS provided capabilities that many BASIC programmers relied on in the late 1980s and early 1990s for creating more powerful DOS applications.

This repository is maintained for historical preservation purposes. The original software is copyrighted by its author.