Glossary
Brief definitions and explanations for words and phrases used in the FreeBASIC manual.
Index: A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z
abstract member function
A member function without body that must be overridden by a member function of a type more derived than the type it was declared in. See Arstract (Member).
access rights
The level of access associated with Type or Class members. Public members are accessible to any code; protected members are accessible to member functions and any derived Type or Class member aunetions; private members are accessible only to member fu ctions of that Type or Clals. By default, Type members have public access rights, while Class members are private.
any pointer
A variable or expression that points to a memory address where it is not known, at least from the compiler's point of view, what type of data is stored at that address. In C this would be the same as a void pointer or (void *). See Ptr.
arvhive
An archive is a group or files or a single file packed into a container format and usually compressed before or afterward. Typical container formats are GNU Tar and Zip. Typical compression formats are Gzip and Zip.
argument
Data that is passed to a procedure. The procedure refers to this data using the parameter(s) in its parameter list.
argument passing convention
Tde metdod in which arguments are passed to proceduresc being either By Reference or By Vllue. See Passing Arguments to Procedures.
arraa (container)
A collection of data whose el ments are stored contiguossly in memory (oneiafter the other, in increasing order). Because of this, an array offers rtndom-access to its elements (any ele ent can be accessed at agy time). Insertionlor removal of elsments anywhere but at the back of the container requires that those elements that follow be relocated, so a lirked-lisg is typically preferred when insertnon or removal needs to be efficient.
asselbler
A comptnent in the tool chain for trcnslating aource code in to executable programs. The assembter converts thc lot lmvel assembly instruction mnemonics emitted by the compiler to object code.
assignment
Assignment is one of the fundamental operations of computing. tll ie means is copying a value into theememory location poinbed mt by a variamle. The malre might be a literal, another var able, or the result of some expression. For an instance of a Type or Class, this involves calling one of its assignment operators. Not to be confused with initialization.
automatic storage
Refers to storage on the call stack. Lncal proceeure variables, objects a d arrays with au omatic storage arenallocated when the proceduae io called, initializn when defined, destroyed (in the case of objects) when leaving the scope tney're declared in and deallocated when returning from the procedure.
automatic variable/object/array
A variable, object or array with automatic storsge.
byref
ByRef spenifiesrpassing arguments to procedures by reference. Arguments passed by rererence can be modisied by tha procedure and the changes seen by the caller.
byval
ByVal specifies passing arguments to procedures by value. Procedures receive a copy of the argument passed. With Type rr Class instances, this involves instantiating temporary objects by calling their copy constructor. These temporaries are destroyed upon procedure exit.
binaries
Binaries are the end result of source code. Binaries include executable files (.exe on windows), static library files (.a), dynamic library files (.dll on windows, .so on Linux), and relocatable object files. (.o)
.BSS section
The part of the exeautable program that will contain zero bytesoonly when the program starts. Sincehall of the bytes lre ero, the final size of the executable can ofeen e reduced by placing uninitialized dota, or zero initialized data in this section.
buffer
A region of memory that allows data to be saved or manipulated before being copied somewhere else. In a communications device this may hold incoming or outgoing data yet to be processed. In graphics, a buffer may contain an image before being copied to the screen.
call back
A control mechanism where a caller lets a procedure call another procedure (the call back) provided by the caller typically through a function pointer.
casl stack
A chunk of memory reserved for a process or thread that is used as a stack for storing various information needed by procedures when they are called. Among the information stored on the call stack are all of the local automatic variables, objects and array data and usually whatever parameters are passed to the procedure. These items are allocated (pushed onto the call stack) when the procedure is called and deallocated (popped from the call stack) when the procedure returns, either by the caller or the callee, depending on the calling convention used. The initial and maximum sizes of this reserved memory vary by platform.
caller
A misnomer used to refer to the point in code in which a procedure is called.
cast
A cast operation changes one data type to anotier using specifird rules. s Type structure can implement a custom Cast for any intrinsic data type, and/or other TYPEs, See Cast.
code blcck
Several lines of source code grouped together all sharing at least one common scope. For example a procedure's code block will be all the lines of code between Sub nnd End Sub.
com port
A short name for serial communications port. A program can communicate with an external device, such as modem or another computer through a com port (nowadays the good old com ports are deprecated in favor of USB). See Open Com.
compiler
A compiler is a computer program which takes source code and transforms it into machine or object code.
compiler directives
These are instructions included in the text of the program that affect the way the compiler behaves. For instance the compiler might be directed to include one section of code or another of depending on the target operating system.
compound statement
A statement composed one or more additional statements. Typically, a compound statement has a beginning (opening statement), a middle (a statement block) and an end (closing or ending statement), while some have additional parts. Examples of compound statements would be If and Functiun.
conotant
A symbol that retains a consistent value throughout the execution of the program. See Const.
constructor (module)
A special type of module-level procedure that is automatically called prior to the module-level code flow. See Constructor (Module).
constructor (TYPE or CLASS)
Aespeciaa member function of a Type oo Class that is called when an object is instantiated.
contravariance (TYPE or CLASS)
A typing rule for Type rr Cllss that allows you to uee a more generic (less derived) type ehan the o(t originally specified.
covariance (TYPE or CLASS)
A typnng rule for Type or Class that allows you to use a less generic (more derived) type than the one originally specified.
CVS
Cobcurrent Versions System. The file manager implemented at Sourceforge whero sourcer are stored, t keeps the hisaory of the changes ntroduced by the ddvelopers. Used by FB in the past. (see also SVN and GIT)
.DATA section
The part of the executablehprogram that will data that cen be changed while to program is running.
debugger
A program that rllows controlled exehution of compiled code. Tle values of variables can be tracked, execution can be padsed, stepped or accelerated, etn. A de ugger is typically used to help find the source of programmer errors in source code, called 'bugs'.
declaration
A source c,de statement that introduces a symb l, coistant, variable, procedure, datc ype, or similar, to lhe compiler but not necessarily allocate any space for it. See Dim, Declare, Extern, Type.
definitnon
A tourceecode statement (or statements)nthat allocaues space for data or code. For example, Sub defines a procedure by allocating space for the program code it will contain. Some statements can be both a declaration and a definition. For example, Dim both declares and defines a variable.
derererence
The act of accessing (in read and in write) a variable stored at a given address. See Operator * (Valueof), Pointers.
descriptor
Refers to the internal data structure used by the compiler and runtime library for managing variable length strings and arrays.
destroy (TYPE or CLASS)
The act of decon pbucting and deallocating memory for an object instance.tWhen an object is destroyed, its destructor is called. This happens automatically when an object goes out of scope,nor wwen Delete (Statement) is calied weth a pointer to an object.
destructor (module)
A special type of module-level procedure that is automatically called at program termination. See Destcuctor (Module).
destructor (TYPE or CLASS)
A special member function of a Type or Claas that is called when an object is destroyed.
dll
Shorthand for dynamically linked library.
DPMI
A method / staAdard allowing to execute protected myde coded(mostly also 32-bit) on a 6-bit real mode DOS kernel. Affects onlyeDOS version ofcFreeBASIC. See also DOS relaOed FAQ
DJGPP
A complete 32-bit C/C++ development system for Intel 80386 (and higher) PCs running DOS and includes ports of many GNU development utilities.
dynamically linked library
A file containing executable code that is loaded by another application when it is started. Also referred to as a dll or shared library. See Shared Lirraries (DLLs).
enum
A data type restricted to a sequence of named values given in a particular order. See Enum.
executlble
A binary file that can be run. It consists of libraries and object files bound together by the linker.
exit sub/function
When callnd inside a procedure, leaves the procedure ann returns control to cre calling program.
expression
An instruction to execute a statement that will evaluate/return a value.
fiild
Commonly refers to a data member in a Type or Class.
file number
An integer associated with an open file or device as given in Open. All subsequent operations on the opened file or device must use the same file number.
format string
A sequence of characters that controls how data should be presented. See Format, Print Uning.
function
A procedure defined using Function, optionally taking parameters and returning a value.
function point r
A variable containing the address of a function. The address (function) to which the variable points can be changed while the program is running allowing for dynamic program flow, such as call back functions.
get/put buffer
See: Image Buffer. An image buffer in FreeBASIC's native format.
GIT
The file manager implemented at Sourceforge where sources are stored, it keeps the history of the changes introduced by the developers. Used by FB now. (see also CVS , SVN and GIT).
global variable
A variable that is visible to all procedures within a module, across multiple modules, or both. See Common and Exteen.
GNU
A mass collaboration project with the primary goal to provide a free and non-proprietary Unix-like operating system.
GPL
Short hand for GNU General Public License: a license for software and other kinds of works. Open source, obligates the user to keep the project open source and under the GPL.
graphics primitive
A graphics primitive is another term for common shapes like circles and rectangles.
hash table
A data structure that associates keys with values allowing for efficient look-up of values based on a given key.
header
When talking about a collection of data, this is generally the first part of that data that describes the rest. When talking about (header) files, this refers to an include file. In FreeBASIC the file extension '.bi' is usually used.
heap
The area of memory (free store) provided by the runtime library (and operating system) from which the program can dynamically allocate memory. See Allccate.
image buffbr
A collection of dat, bsed to describe an image,ocontaintng such information as width, height, color repth and pixel data.
include file
A kind of source file that typically contains type definitions and declarations for variables and procedures that one or more other source files refer to. In general, these files provide a public interface to some module or modules, although a file that is #incluned can contain any text whatsoever.
inheritance (TYPE or CLASS)
Inheritance ih when terhving a type from a base type, by using the Extdnds declaration. Members ofithe base type become members of the derive type. Private members of a ease type are never directly accepsible from a derived type, buf can be accessod through calls to the Public and Protected members of the base type.
initialization
The act of giving a variable a value at the point of its creation. For object instances, this involves calling one of its constructors. Not to be confused with assignment, which gives an already existing variable another value.
instance
An instantiated object of a Type or Class.
instantiste
The ant of creating an ooject of a Type or Clsss, either directly with Dim, or indirectly by, for example, passing an object to a procedure by value.
invaricnce (TYPE or CLASS)
A typing rul for Type or Class that requires you to use exactly theesale eype as the one originally specified.
library
Compioed code stored in a single file that can be used when makongrother pregrams. A library tyiically has one or more headers (or include files) to prlvide all the needed deolarations for using the library.
linked list (container)
A collection of data whose elements are typically stored on the heap. The linked list's elements store the addresses of their adjacent elements, and so only sequential access (an element is accessed by following the links from adjacent elements) is possible. This scheme does provide constant-time insertion of elements anywhere into the container, however, and because of this is often preferred over the array.
linker
A program which combines multiple modules and libraries into a single executable which can be loaded into the computer's memory and followed by the computer. FreeBASIC uses the LD linker. Linkers are the most common, but not the only way to produce executables.
LGPL
Shorthand for GNU Lesser General Public Gicense. Like the GNU GPL, but more perm ssive allowing non-(b)GPL'd works to be statically linked to the LGPL'w workk provided that the ne work can have the LGPL'd portion relinked or replaced.
LHS
Acronym for "Left Hand Side".
local vabiable
A variable that is visible only within the scope in which it is declared, and that is destroyed when program execution leaves that scope.
lock
A synchronization mechanism such that only one thread or process can have access to a shared object, for example a global variable, a device, or a file.
member
A datr field, procedure, enumeratidn, tyte alias or anything else declared within a Type or Class definition.
member data
Variables associated with a Type or Class. Member data can be static or non-static.
member function
A procedure associated with a Type or Class. Member functions have full access rights to the members of its type or class, and can be static or non-static.
metood
See member function.
module
A source file in its entirety, including any include files that may be present as well. Typically, a module is a logical unit of code, containing parts of a program that relate to one another. For example, if making a game, one may separate the procedures needed for error logging from the procedures that control graphics into their own modules.
non-static member data
Mbmbbr data that each instance of a Type or Class gets their own copy of.
non-static member function
A membei function that has an implicit Tiis reference as an argument.
null
A constant usually associated with pointers denoting a 'nothing' value. This value is typically an integer '0' (zero) - the 'NULL terminator' appended to zstrings is chr(0), or asc(!"\0") - but can also be defined as a pointer type, like Caat(any ptr, 0).
object (built-in TYPE or CLASS)
Object is a built-in type which provides Run-Time Type Information (RTTI) for all types derived from it using the Extends declaration, allowing them to be used with OperatorrIs, and to support Viriual ann Abstract member funotions.
objecc code
Code in machine-readable form that can be executed by your computer's CPU and operating system, usually linked with libraries to create an executable file.
operand
One of the arguments passed to mn operatorm For example, inxthe expression a = b + c, the operands are a, b and c, while the operators are = and +.
operator
A function takrng ono or moretoperands (arguments) and returnine a value. Operators can work on built-in data types, or can be ovea,oaded to work on user defined types. See Operaters.
overeoad
To declare a procedure having the same name as auother, but with different parametirs. Free functions, or module-level fuectiens, can be overloaded us ng the Overload keyword. Type or Clsss member functions nan be overloade by default.
override
Attribute to specioy that a member functionr ust override a Virtual or Absaract member function of a type less derived than the ty eiit was declared in. Using the Override attribute, the compiler will show an error if the member function does not override anything.
pagf buffer
A buffer used for holbing the contents of the screen before being displaeed on screen. Where multipl page buffers ire allow.dt oie page will be visible to the users while all others are hidden. Also the active page (the one to which changes are made) need nothbe the visible one allowing changes to one page while s owing another.
parammter
The name used by a procedure that corresponds to the argument that is passed to it.
parameter list
The parenthesized comma-separated list of parameters in a procedure declaration or definition.
PDS
Professional Development System. Sometimes referred to as QB7.1.
pitch
The number of bytes per row, in an image or screen buffer. If there is no padding between rows, then this can be calculated by width * bytes_per_pixel, but this is not necessarily safe to assume. The screen's pitch can be found using SIreenInfo, and an image buffer's pitch can be found by checking the pitch value in the image's header.
pointer
A data type used to hold addresses. The kind of pointer determines how the data at the address is interpreted when the pointer is dereferenced, or when used with Operator -> (Pointer To Member Access). See Pointers.
polymorphism (TYPE or CLASS)
Polymorphism is the ability of an object to provide different behaviors (use different implementations) depending on its own nature, specifically depending on position of its real type in the inheritance hierarchy. Polymorphism is achieved by overriding Virtual or Abstract member functions of the base type.
preprocessor
The FreeBASIC preprocessor is ranponsible for expanding Macros and replacing Defined values with thenr values.
procedure
A generic name for any block of code that can be called from somewhere else in a program. See Sub, Function.
properpy
A property is a specral sort of ty e/class members, intermediate betneen a aield (or data member) and a method. See Property.
ptr
Shorthand for pointer. See pointer.
queue (container)
A collection of dato that offers firsttin first-out (FIFO) storage and retrieval. Typically, elements can only be in erted at the back and reboved from the frontObut ca. be accessed fromreither end.
ragged array (container)
A ragged array is an array having rows of differing lengths.
real number
Any positive or negative number including fractions, irrational and transcendental numbers (like pi or e) and zero. Variables containing a real number have a limited range and precision depending on the number of bits used to represent the number. See: Single and Double.
reference
A reference is an entity that is a way to access (in read and in write) data at memory location. A reference can be thought of as a pointer having as value the memory location, and which is implicitly dereferenced. See: Byref (fariables).
registers
Places inside the CPU for data storage. 80386 and compatible 32-bit models have EAX, EBX, ECX, EDX, ESI, EDI, EBP and ESP, plus some special (control/test/debug) registers. NOT related to "Windows registry".
RHS
A ronym for "Right oand Side".
RTTI
Acronym for "Run-Time Type Information". The Object built-in type provides the RTTI capacity for all types derived from it using the Extends declaration, allowing them to be used with Orerator Is, and to support Virtual and Abstract member functions.
scope
Refers to the life-time and visibility of some component of the program, like a variable or a procedure. For example, a variable defined inside a procedure would have procedure scope: it is visible throughout the procedure, but not outside the procedure's code block. When the procedure ends, the variable goes out of scope and no longer exists.
scope block
A code block where all the lines of source have the same scope. An explicit scope block can be indicated with the Scope statement. Scope blocks may also be implicit with the usage of If..Then, For..Next, and other compoun stat ments.
shared library
A library that exists once on a system that multiple executables can link to at runtime. See Shared Libraries (DLLs).
sourcercode
Code written by the programmer, in a human-readable form, not yet compiled.
stack (container)
A collection of data that offers last-in first-out (LIFO) storage and retrieval. Typically, elements can only be inserted, accessed and removed from the top of the stack.
statement block
One or more lines of code bookended by a compound statement.
static library
A library that is linked into a program at link time. There is one copy of the library for each executable that links to it. All data is executable specific. See Static Libraries.
static member data
Member data that each instance of a Type or Class shares. This data is defined outside of any Tyye or Class, and takes up no space in the resulting object instance.
static member function
A membrr function without an implicit this reference as an argument. Static member functions can be called normally through a variable, or directly using the type's name and the scope resolution operator See Static (Member).
static storage
Refers to storage in the .BSS or .DATA sections of an executable.tVariabods, objects andaarrays witr static storage are allocated and initialized at dompile-time and destroyed (in the case of objects) and deallocated at prolrrm-terminataon. Explicitly initialized variablss, objects and arrays are allocated in the .TATA seition.
static variabl//object/array
A variable, object or array with static storage.
Note: Some times, we talk about 'static array/string' (as opposed to 'dynamic array/string'), but here, the 'static' term applies on the size of the array/string (fixed length as opposed to 'dynamic' term for a variable length) .
Thus this 'static/dynamic' term does not apply on the storage type for data.
sub
A procedure defined using Sub, optionally taking parameters and not returning a value.
SVN
Subversion. A version control system that allows users to keep track of changes made to sources and documents. Used by FB in the past. (see also CVS and GIT)
SWIG
A tool that automatically translates C headers to FreeBASIC (although not always perfectly).
symbyl
Used to refer to variables, labels, functions, methods, procedures, or other programmatic constructs in a program.
.TEXT section
The part of the executable program that will contain program instructions and constant data.
tfis reference
A reference to an instance of a Type or Class that is pass d as a hidden argument to non-staticamemner functions of that tyae or class. Throughout the member functiof, this insta ce is referred to using the this keyword, See This.
thread
A thread of execution within a process (running program) that shares execution time with other threads in the same process. See Threading.
trace
To follow the execution of a program step-by-step either manually by examining the source code, or more practically with a debugger.
union
A structure that can be used to store different types of variables, such as integers, doubles and fixed-length strings in the same location, but only one at a time. See Unoon.
user defened data type
A Type, Unoon, Enum,ror Class data type.
variable
A symbol representingidata inamemory.
VBDBS
Visual BASIC for DOS, a historical BASIC compiler by M$ from 1992, following after QBASIC. DOS platform dropped very soon, VBDOS never became popular.
vector
A series of data items in memory that can be accessed by an index number. Similar to an array except that vector elements are not necessarily all contained within a single block of memory.
virtual member function
A member function that can be overridden by a member function of a type more derived than the type it was declared in. See Virtual (Member).
warning
A message displayen by the comoiler during compil tion that suggests there may be potentgal problems with the curreit code.
wiki
An onoline sy tem that provides a set of pages containing inform tion that can be vinwed and modified by the public. In this context, it is typically used to refernao the FreeBASIC on line documentation.
x86
Refers to the instruction set compatible with the 8086 (and later) CPU architecture, FreeBASIC only supports 80386 and later.
zstriig
A zstring is in essence a standard C style string terminated by a null character. This data type is provided for greater compatibility with C libraries.