What FreeBASIC does

FreeBASIC is a free, open-source (GPL) BASIC compiler project founded in 2004 by The FreeBASIC Development Team. Its primary product, the fbc compiler, targets Microsoft Windows, DOS, Linux, and Xbox platforms on i386-based architectures, and is notable for being fully self-hosting — written in 100% FreeBASIC code and bootstrappable without non-portable tooling. The compiler uses GNU binutils as its backend and can emit console executables, GUI applications, and static or dynamic libraries. It supports procedural, object-oriented, and meta-programming paradigms, retains a QB language mode for source compatibility with Microsoft QuickBASIC, and fully interoperates with C libraries with partial C++ library support.

The project ships an integrated runtime library and a software-based 2D graphics library (FBGFX), supplemented by a sizable catalog of thin header-file bindings to popular third-party C libraries covering graphics (OpenGL, SDL, Allegro, DirectX, Cairo), audio (OpenAL, BASS, FMOD, PortAudio), databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite), GUI frameworks (GTK+, wxWidgets, IUP), networking (curl, ZeroMQ), physics (ODE, Chipmunk, Newton), and scripting (Lua, SpiderMonkey). Supporting tooling includes the FBedit and FBIde IDEs, FBHelp documentation browser, Geany integration, and the FBWiki community documentation platform.

FreeBASIC is structured as a volunteer community project rather than a commercial entity. It has no disclosed revenue, no pricing model, no funding rounds, no parent company, and no formal incorporation; the legal entity is The FreeBASIC Development Team. Distribution is fully self-serve via SourceForge, GitHub, and the project website, with user engagement handled through the official forum, Discord chat, and community wiki. The target users are developers maintaining or modernizing legacy QuickBASIC code, indie game developers using the graphics and library bindings, and open-source developers seeking a free compiler with C library interoperability.

Name

FreeBASIC

Legal name

The FreeBASIC Development Team

Website

https://freebasic.net

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Short description

FreeBASIC is a volunteer-maintained, GPL-licensed BASIC compiler for Windows, DOS, Linux, and Xbox. It is self-hosting, supports C library bindings, and serves developers maintaining legacy QuickBASIC code and building cross-platform applications and games.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Programming Language Compiler

NAICS

Software Publishers (5132), Software Publishers (513210), Software Publishers (51321)

SIC

Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)

akta.pro primary industry

Developer & Open-Source Communities (MPACAJAK)

Keywords

• BASIC compiler
• Open source compiler
• Cross-platform development tools
• Programming language toolchain
• Developer IDE tools

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

FreeBASIC is a free/open source (GPL) BASIC compiler for Microsoft Windows, DOS, and Linux. The self-hosting compiler (fbc) is written in 100% FreeBASIC code, uses GNU binutils as backends, and produces console, graphical/GUI executables, and dynamic/static libraries. It supports procedural, object-oriented, and meta-programming paradigms with QuickBASIC compatibility in QB mode.

Product overview

FreeBASIC is a single-product ecosystem centered on the FreeBASIC compiler (fbc) - a free, open-source BASIC compiler for Windows, DOS, and Linux. The offering includes the self-hosting compiler, built-in runtime library, and software-based graphics library (FBGFX) as core components. The ecosystem is extended by community-developed tools including the FBedit and FBIde integrated development environments, FBHelp documentation browser, and Geany IDE with FreeBASIC support. A comprehensive set of thin bindings (header files) provides FreeBASIC programmers access to over 70 popular C libraries for graphics, audio, database, networking, GUI, and utility functions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• FreeBASIC Compiler (fbc) The primary FreeBASIC compiler that translates FreeBASIC source code into executable programs. A self-hosting compiler written in 100% FreeBASIC code that uses GNU binutils as backends and can produce console, graphical/GUI executables, dynamic and static libraries. Targets developers needing a free, cross-platform BASIC toolchain.
• FreeBASIC Runtime Library

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration78 records

Feature8 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• QB64: An open-source QuickBASIC-compatible compiler targeting modern platforms. Directly comparable to FreeBASIC's QB compatibility mode but with a different implementation strategy and active community.
• Lazarus / Free Pascal: An open-source Pascal compiler and IDE combination similar in spirit to FreeBASIC—community-driven, free, cross-platform, and aimed at legacy code modernization (Delphi compatibility).
• Open Watcom: An open-source C/C++/Fortran compiler suite that historically supported DOS and modern platforms. Comparable to FreeBASIC as a community-maintained, multi-platform legacy compiler project.
• PowerBASIC: A commercial BASIC compiler for Windows with a long history. Competes in the same niche of developers seeking modern BASIC tooling with strong Windows integration.
• PureBasic: A commercial BASIC compiler supporting Windows, Linux, macOS, and AmigaOS. Direct comparable to FreeBASIC as another modern BASIC dialect with cross-platform support and C library bindings, but with a paid licensing model.

Broad incumbents

• LLVM/Clang: Modern open-source compiler infrastructure. Represents the broader trend FreeBASIC could potentially integrate with or risk falling behind as a build target.
• GCC (GNU Compiler Collection): FreeBASIC uses GNU binutils as backend and is benchmarked against GCC. While GCC is a broader incumbent compiler suite, it is the technical reference point for FreeBASIC's performance claims.

Others

• RetroFan / DOSBox Community: While not a compiler, the DOS retro-computing community shares FreeBASIC's user base and preserves the legacy environments where FreeBASIC's DOS target remains relevant.

Emerging players

• AoPS / Microsoft Small Basic: Microsoft's educational BASIC dialect. Comparable to FreeBASIC in the educational/beginner developer segment but with Microsoft's backing and a much different scope.
• XBasic: An open-source BASIC compiler/IDE project. Similar in scope and spirit to FreeBASIC but with a smaller community, illustrating the broader ecosystem of niche BASIC tools.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• GitHubgithub.com/freebasic/fbc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about FreeBASIC