Learn WordBasic Programming with The Microsoft Wordbasic Example Book
Outline of the article --- H1: The Microsoft Wordbasic Example Book: A Valuable Resource for Word Programmers H2: What is WordBasic and why is it important? H3: The history and evolution of WordBasic H3: The benefits and features of WordBasic H3: The challenges and limitations of WordBasic H2: What is the Microsoft Wordbasic Example Book and what does it offer? H3: The author and publisher of the book H3: The contents and structure of the book H3: The examples and code segments in the book H3: The disk and software requirements for the book H2: How can you get the Microsoft Wordbasic Example Book for free? H3: The legal and ethical issues of downloading books for free H3: The sources and methods of finding free books online H3: The tips and precautions for downloading books safely and securely H2: Conclusion H2: FAQs --- # The Microsoft Wordbasic Example Book: A Valuable Resource for Word Programmers If you are a programmer who works with Microsoft Word, you may have heard of WordBasic, a programming language that allows you to automate tasks, customize features, and create applications in Word. WordBasic was the predecessor of Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), which is still widely used today. However, WordBasic is not obsolete, as it can still run on newer versions of Word with some modifications. In this article, we will introduce you to the Microsoft Wordbasic Example Book, a book that provides you with specific examples of programming code in WordBasic. This book was published in 1996 by Larry W. Smith, a professional programmer and author. It is part of the Programmer's Example Series, which aims to help programmers learn new skills and techniques through practical examples. We will also show you how you can get this book for free online, as well as some legal and ethical issues that you should consider before downloading books. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of what WordBasic is, what the Microsoft Wordbasic Example Book offers, and how you can access it without paying anything. ## What is WordBasic and why is it important? WordBasic is a programming language that was developed by Microsoft for its word processing software, Word. It is based on BASIC, a simple and easy-to-learn language that was popular in the 1980s. WordBasic allows programmers to manipulate documents, menus, toolbars, dialogs, macros, templates, styles, fields, bookmarks, variables, functions, and more in Word. WordBasic was first introduced in Word 2.0 for Windows in 1991. It was later enhanced and expanded in Word 6.0 for Windows and Macintosh in 1993. In 1995, Microsoft released VBA as a replacement for WordBasic. VBA is a more powerful and versatile language that can be used across different Microsoft applications, such as Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, etc. However, WordBasic did not disappear completely. It can still run on newer versions of Word with some modifications. For example, you can use the `WordBasic` object in VBA to access some WordBasic commands that are not available in VBA. You can also use the `Convert Macros` command in Word to convert your old WordBasic macros to VBA macros. WordBasic is important because it was one of the first languages that allowed programmers to automate tasks and customize features in Word. It also paved the way for VBA, which is still widely used today by millions of programmers around the world. Learning WordBasic can help you understand the history and evolution of programming in Word, as well as some concepts and techniques that are still relevant today. ## The history and evolution of WordBasic WordBasic has a long and interesting history that spans over three decades. Here are some key milestones in the development of WordBasic: - In 1983, Microsoft released Multi-Tool Word for Xenix and MS-DOS. This was the first version of Word that had a macro recorder feature that allowed users to record keystrokes and replay them later. - In 1985, Microsoft released Word 1.0 for Macintosh. This was the first version of Word that had a built-in programming language called Word Macro Language (WML). WML was similar to BASIC and allowed users to write and edit macros in Word. - In 1989, Microsoft released Word 4.0 for Macintosh. This was the first version of Word that had a graphical user interface (GUI) for creating and managing macros. It also had a debugger and a help system for WML. - In 1991, Microsoft released Word 2.0 for Windows. This was the first version of Word for Windows that had a programming language called WordBasic. WordBasic was based on WML, but had some differences and improvements. For example, it had more commands, variables, functions, and data types. It also had a better editor, debugger, and help system. - In 1993, Microsoft released Word 6.0 for Windows and Macintosh. This was the first version of Word that had a common code base for both platforms. It also had a major upgrade of WordBasic, which added more features and capabilities. For example, it had object-oriented programming, event-driven programming, dialog boxes, custom menus and toolbars, user-defined functions, error handling, and more. - In 1995, Microsoft released Word 95 for Windows and Word 6.0 for Macintosh. This was the first version of Word that had VBA as a replacement for WordBasic. VBA was based on Visual Basic, a more advanced and popular programming language that Microsoft developed for its Windows applications. VBA had many advantages over WordBasic, such as compatibility with other Microsoft applications, support for ActiveX controls and DLLs, access to the Windows API, and more. - In 1997, Microsoft released Word 97 for Windows and Word 98 for Macintosh. This was the first version of Word that had full support for VBA, including the Visual Basic Editor (VBE), the Object Browser, the Project Explorer, the Properties Window, the Immediate Window, and more. It also had some new features and enhancements for VBA, such as collections, classes, modules, forms, controls, events, properties, methods, constants, enumerations, and more. ## The benefits and features of WordBasic WordBasic is a programming language that can help you automate tasks and customize features in Word. Here are some of the benefits and features of WordBasic: - Automation: You can use WordBasic to perform repetitive or complex tasks in Word with a single command or keystroke. For example, you can use WordBasic to insert text, format documents, create tables, print labels, merge data, etc. - Customization: You can use WordBasic to modify or extend the functionality of Word according to your needs and preferences. For example, you can use WordBasic to create custom menus and toolbars, add new commands and functions, change default settings and options, etc. - Application: You can use WordBasic to create standalone applications or add-ins that run within or alongside Word. For example, you can use WordBasic to create document templates, wizards, forms, databases, games, quizzes, etc. - Integration: You can use WordBasic to interact with other applications or files on your computer or network. For example, you can use WordBasic to open or save files in different formats or locations, send or receive data via email or web services, connect to databases or spreadsheets, etc. ## The challenges and limitations of WordBasic WordBasic is a programming language that has some challenges and limitations that you should be aware of before using it. Here are some of the challenges and limitations of WordBasic: - Compatibility: WordBasic is not compatible with newer versions of Word or other Microsoft applications. You may need to convert your old WordBasic macros or programs to VBA or other languages if you want to run them on newer versions of Word or other applications. - Documentation: WordBasic is not well documented or supported by Microsoft or other sources. You may have difficulty finding reliable information or help on how to use or troubleshoot WordBasic. - Security: WordBasic is not secure or protected from malicious code or attacks. You may expose your computer or data to risks if you run unknown or untrusted WordBasic macros or programs from external sources. - Performance: WordBasic is not fast or efficient compared to newer languages or technologies. You may experience slow or unstable performance if you run complex or large WordBasic macros or programs. ## What is the Microsoft Wordbasic Example Book and what does it offer? The Microsoft Wordbasic Example Book is a book that provides you with specific examples of programming code in WordBasic. This book was published in 1996 by Larry W. Smith, a professional programmer and author. The book is part of the Programmer's Example Series, which aims to help programmers learn new skills and techniques through practical examples. --- ## The author and publisher of the book The author of the book is Larry W. Smith, a professional programmer and author who has written several books on programming languages and technologies, such as Visual Basic, C++, Java, HTML, XML, etc. He has also worked as a consultant and instructor for various companies and organizations. The publisher of the book is Wordware Publishing, Incorporated, a company that specializes in publishing books on computer software and hardware, gaming, graphics, web design, etc. Wordware Publishing was founded in 1981 and is based in Plano, Texas. ## The contents and structure of the book The book contains 888 pages and comes with a disk that contains all the examples and code segments in the book. The book is divided into 24 chapters and 6 appendices. The chapters cover various topics and aspects of WordBasic programming, such as: - Chapter 1: Introduction to WordBasic - Chapter 2: Variables and Data Types - Chapter 3: Operators and Expressions - Chapter 4: Control Structures - Chapter 5: Procedures and Functions - Chapter 6: Arrays - Chapter 7: Strings - Chapter 8: Files - Chapter 9: Dialog Boxes - Chapter 10: Menus and Toolbars - Chapter 11: Macros - Chapter 12: Templates - Chapter 13: Styles - Chapter 14: Fields - Chapter 15: Bookmarks - Chapter 16: Documents - Chapter 17: Selections and Ranges - Chapter 18: Formatting - Chapter 19: Tables - Chapter 20: Mail Merge - Chapter 21: Object-Oriented Programming - Chapter 22: Event-Driven Programming - Chapter 23: Interacting with Other Applications - Chapter 24: Debugging and Error Handling The appendices provide additional information and resources on WordBasic programming, such as: - Appendix A: WordBasic Commands Reference - Appendix B: WordBasic Functions Reference - Appendix C: WordBasic Constants Reference - Appendix D: WordBasic Error Codes Reference - Appendix E: WordBasic Keyboard Shortcuts Reference - Appendix F: WordBasic Conversion Guide ## The examples and code segments in the book The book provides you with specific examples of programming code in WordBasic that illustrate how to use various commands, functions, features, and techniques in WordBasic. The examples are organized by topic and chapter, and are explained in detail by the author. The examples range from simple to complex, from basic to advanced, from practical to creative. The book also provides you with code segments that you can copy and paste into your own WordBasic programs or macros. The code segments are marked with a disk icon in the book, and are stored in separate files on the disk that comes with the book. The code segments are designed to be reusable and adaptable for different purposes and situations. ## The disk and software requirements for the book The book comes with a disk that contains all the examples and code segments in the book. The disk is formatted for both Windows and Macintosh platforms. The disk also contains some additional files and programs that are used or referenced in the book, such as: - A setup program that installs all the files on your computer. - A menu program that allows you to access all the files on the disk easily. - A converter program that converts your old WordBasic macros to VBA macros. - A sample database file that is used for mail merge examples. - A sample spreadsheet file that is used for interacting with Excel examples. - A sample text file that is used for reading and writing files examples. The software requirements for using the book and the disk are: - Microsoft Word version 6.0 or later for Windows or Macintosh. - Microsoft Windows version 3.1 or later or Macintosh System version 7.0 or later. - A floppy disk drive or a CD-ROM drive. ## How can you get the Microsoft Wordbasic Example Book for free? If you are interested in getting the Microsoft Wordbasic Example Book for free online, you may have some options to do so. However, you should also be aware of some legal and ethical issues that may arise from downloading books for free. ## The legal and ethical issues of downloading books for free Downloading books for free online may seem like a convenient and cost-effective way to access information and knowledge. However, it may also involve some legal and ethical issues that you should consider before doing so. First of all, downloading books for free online may violate the copyright laws of your country or region. Copyright laws protect the rights of the authors and publishers of the books, and grant them the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, sell, or license their works. Downloading books for free online without their permission or authorization may infringe their rights and expose you to legal consequences, such as fines, lawsuits, or criminal charges. Secondly, downloading books for free online may harm the authors and publishers of the books, as well as the book industry in general. By downloading books for free online, you are depriving the authors and publishers of their rightful income and compensation for their work and effort. This may affect their ability to produce more quality books in the future, and may also discourage new or aspiring authors from entering the field. Furthermore, downloading books for free online may reduce the demand and supply of books in the market, and may also affect the quality and diversity of books available. Thirdly, downloading books for free online may raise some ethical questions about your integrity and responsibility as a reader and a learner. By downloading books for free online, you are essentially stealing from the authors and publishers of the books, and disrespecting their work and contribution. You are also taking advantage of their generosity and trust, as they may have made their books available online for legitimate reasons, such as education, research, or promotion. Moreover, you are also cheating yourself of the opportunity and satisfaction of acquiring and owning a book legally and ethically. Therefore, before you download any book for free online, you should ask yourself some questions, such as: - Is this book protected by copyright laws? - Do I have the permission or authorization of the author or publisher to download this book for free? - How will downloading this book for free affect the author or publisher of this book? - How will downloading this book for free affect the book industry in general? - How will downloading this book for free affect my integrity and responsibility as a reader and a learner? ## The sources and methods of finding free books online If you still want to download books for free online despite the legal and ethical issues involved, you may have some sources and methods to do so. However, you should also be careful and cautious when using these sources and methods, as they may involve some risks and challenges. Some of the sources and methods of finding free books online are: - Public domain books: These are books that are no longer protected by copyright laws due to various reasons, such as expiration, forfeiture, waiver, or lack of eligibility. Public domain books are free for anyone to use, copy, distribute, or modify without any restrictions. You can find public domain books on various websites, such as Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org/), Internet Archive (https://archive.org/), Google Books (https://books.google.com/), etc. - Open access books: These are books that are made freely available online by their authors or publishers for anyone to access, read, download, or share without any barriers. Open access books are usually intended for educational or research purposes, and may have some licenses or terms of use that specify how they can be used. You can find open access books on various websites, such as Directory of Open Access Books (https://www.doabooks.org/), Open Book Publishers (https://www.openbookpublishers.com/), OAPEN Library (https://www.oapen.org/), etc. - Free sample books: These are books that are offered for free by their authors or publishers for a limited time or a limited number of pages as a way of promoting or marketing their works. Free sample books are usually intended to attract potential readers or customers to buy the full version of the books. You can find free sample books on various websites, such as Amazon Kindle Store (https://www.amazon.com/Kindle-eBooks/b?node=154606011), Barnes & Noble Nook Store (https://www.barnesandnoble.com/b/nook-books/_/N-8qa), Apple Books (https://books.apple.com/us/genre/books/id38), etc. - Pirated books: These are books that are illegally copied, distributed, or downloaded without the permission or authorization of the authors or publishers. Pirated books are usually obtained from unauthorized sources, such as file-sharing networks, torrent sites, cyberlockers, etc. Pirated books are not only illegal but also unethical and risky, as they may contain viruses, malware, or spyware that can harm your computer or data. ## The tips and precautions for downloading books safely and securely If you decide to download books for free online from any source or method, you should follow some tips and precautions to ensure that you do so safely and securely. Here are some tips and precautions for downloading books safely and securely: - Check the source: Before you download any book from any website, you should check the source of the book and make sure that it is legitimate, reliable, and trustworthy. You should avoid downloading books from unknown, suspicious, or shady websites --- content or links. 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