# SmallBASIC

> SmallBASIC is a fast and easy to learn BASIC programming language interpreter.

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/net.sourceforge.smallbasic](https://chrome-stats.com/d/net.sourceforge.smallbasic)

## Overview

- **ID:** `net.sourceforge.smallbasic`
- **Platform:** Android
- **Type:** Android app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** Chris Warren-Smith
- **Category:** EDUCATION
- **Downloads:** 57,929
- **Rating:** 3.64 / 5 (360 ratings)
- **Version:** 12.35
- **Last updated:** 2026-08-14
- **First published:** 2012-11-30
- **Publisher country:** AU
- **Size:** 1.63 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-13
- **Store listing:** [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.sourceforge.smallbasic)
- **Website:** [https://smallbasic.github.io/pages/android.html](https://smallbasic.github.io/pages/android.html)
- **Privacy policy:** [https://smallbasic.github.io/pages/privacy.html](https://smallbasic.github.io/pages/privacy.html)

## Description

SmallBASIC is a fast, easy-to-learn, open-source (GPLv3) BASIC interpreter ideal for everyday calculations, scripts and quick prototypes. It bundles a compact built-in IDE and a comprehensive set of features including trigonometric, matrix and algebra functions, a powerful string library, system commands, graphics primitives, simple GUI and sound functions. The interpreter is extremely lightweight (for example, the Debian installer can be ~340 KB) and runs code without compilation while supporting structured programming, user-defined structures and modular source files.

Originally created for the Palm Pilot by Nicholas Christopoulos, SmallBASIC runs on Linux, Windows and Android. Note: this is not Microsoft’s "Small Basic" — it is the open-source SmallBASIC (GPLv3). Join the community at https://smallbasic.discourse.group, report bugs at https://github.com/smallbasic/SmallBASIC/issues or email smallbasic@gmail.com. Perfect for learners, hobbyists and developers who need a tiny, capable interpreter for scripting and prototyping.

## Rankings

- #281,543 — Overall

## Permissions and access

### Permissions

- `android.permission.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE`
- `android.permission.BLUETOOTH_CONNECT`
- `android.permission.BLUETOOTH_SCAN`
- `android.permission.INTERNET`
- `android.permission.READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE`
- `android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE`
- `com.android.launcher.permission.INSTALL_SHORTCUT`
- `net.sourceforge.smallbasic.DYNAMIC_RECEIVER_NOT_EXPORTED_PERMISSION`

## Review summary

SmallBASIC for Android is praised for bringing BASIC programming capabilities with a rich command set and good performance to mobile devices. Users appreciate the helpful help system and the app's utility for hobbyist programmers. However, many are frustrated by its unintuitive user interface, keyboard compatibility problems, and confusing file management. Bugs and missing features such as audio playback and graphical functions limit its usability. Lack of beginner-friendly tutorials and complex navigation make it challenging for new users to adopt. Overall, it is a powerful tool that requires improvements in usability and stability.

### Pros

- The app offers a wide range of BASIC commands and features suitable for programming on the go.
- It includes a helpful built-in help system and good documentation on the website.
- The app runs programs with good speed compared to other BASIC interpreters on Android.
- It supports writing and saving BASIC programs, enabling hobbyists and programmers to fulfill their programming interests.
- The app is appreciated for bringing SmallBasic functionality to Android and Chromebook devices, making programming more accessible on mobile platforms.

### Cons

- The user interface and editor are not intuitive, with menu options sometimes overlapping or being difficult to navigate.
- Many users report severe keyboard compatibility issues; both Samsung and Google keyboards often fail to work properly, preventing typing.
- The app's file management is confusing, with program files saved in inaccessible or unclear folders, making exporting and importing programs difficult.
- There are bugs and limitations such as problems with string arrays storing ASCII 0, graphics handling, missing or non-functional commands like audio playback, and a silent program size limit causing errors.
- Lack of beginner-friendly guidance and tutorials within the app makes it hard to learn and use, especially for those new to BASIC or the app's unique interface.

## Similar extensions and apps

- [BASIC Programming Compiler](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.krazeapps.basicprogrammingcompiler) — 189,452 users, 2.74 / 5
- [Touch BASIC](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.hawwash.touchbasic) — 18,438 users, 3.67 / 5
- [Easy BASIC - CBM Flavor](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.hawwash.easybasic) — 703 users
- [Basic for Android -F](https://chrome-stats.com/d/and.basf) — 18,531 users, 3.47 / 5
- [QuackBASIC: Code in BASIC](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.ammonite.quackbasic) — 2,566 users
- [Basic for Android](https://chrome-stats.com/d/and.bas) — 4,533 users, 3.71 / 5
- [BBCBasic](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.rtrussell.bbcbasic) — 7,195 users, 3.88 / 5
- [Compilerz – Code Compile Run](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.infoclifftech.compilerz) — 6,965 users
- [Vintage BASIC games](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.konyisoft.vintage_basic_games) — 1,085 users
- [SmartCalc Pro](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.qff.smartcalcpro) — 6,215 users
- [BASIC! Super User](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.rfo.su) — 10,797 users, 5.00 / 5
- [Simples! Create your own apps](https://chrome-stats.com/d/insys.Simples) — 364 users

---

Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/net.sourceforge.smallbasic)