b4a

B4A, short for Basic4Android, is a rapid application development environment and programming language for Android app development. It combines a BASIC‑like language with an integrated development environment (IDE) that aims to simplify Android software creation. It was created by Anywhere Software and was introduced in the late 2000s. The language uses familiar BASIC syntax, including Sub procedures, If statements, loops, and events, and is designed to be accessible to programmers with BASIC experience. The IDE provides a code editor, a visual designer for user interfaces, property editors, and project management tools.

Programming in B4A is event‑driven, with code organized into modules that respond to events such as Activity_Create or Button_Click. Developers can declare variables, call Android APIs through wrapper libraries, and reference Java libraries or native code via jars and .so files. The platform emphasizes rapid development by offering a large standard library of UI controls and built‑in features for networking, databases, sensors, and services.

Build process and deployment: B4A compiles the project to Java source code with its own compiler, which is then built into an Android APK using the Android SDK and build tools. This pathway provides access to Android features and allows inclusion of external libraries.

Platform scope and related tools: B4A targets Android devices and does not generate iOS or desktop applications. It has sister tools, B4i for iOS and B4J for Java desktop/server applications, all under the same family of products from Anywhere Software.

Reception: B4A is used by hobbyists, instructors, and some professional developers for rapid Android development. It offers a quicker learning curve for BASIC programmers compared to Java/Kotlin and maintains a niche but active community with ongoing updates.