_CONSOLE

The _CONSOLE statement can be used to turn a console window ON/OFF.

Syntax

_CONSOLE {OFF|ON} _DEST _CONSOLE

• _CONSOLE OFF or ON must be used after the $CONSOLE Metacommand has established that a console window is desired.
• _CONSOLE OFF turns the console window off once a console has been established using $CONSOLE:ON or ONLY.
• _CONSOLE ON should only be used after the console window has been turned OFF previously.
• _DEST _CONSOLE can be used to send screen output to the console window using QB64 commands such as PRINT.
• _SCREENHIDE or _SCREENSHOW can be used to hide or display the main program window.
• The $SCREENHIDE Metacommand can hide the main program window throughout a program when only the console is used.
• Note: Text can be copied partially or totally from console screens in Windows by highlighting and using the title bar menu.
  • To copy console text output, right click the title bar and select Edit for Mark to highlight and repeat to Copy.

Example(s)

Hiding and displaying a console window. Use _DELAY to place console in front of main program window.

$CONSOLE
_CONSOLE OFF 'close original console
_DELAY 2
_CONSOLE ON 'place console above program window

_DEST _CONSOLE 
INPUT "Enter your name: ", nme$ 'get program input
_CONSOLE OFF 'close console

_DEST 0 'destination program window
PRINT nme$
END 

Explanation: The _DEST must be changed with _DEST _CONSOLE to get INPUT from the $CONSOLE screen.

_CONSOLETITLE can be used to create a console title, but it must be redone every time the console window is restored once turned off:

$CONSOLE

_CONSOLETITLE "firstone"
_DELAY 10

_CONSOLE OFF
_DELAY 10

_CONSOLE ON
_CONSOLETITLE "secondone"

Note: Some versions of Windows may display the program path or Administrator: prefix in console title bars.

See Also

• $CONSOLE, _CONSOLETITLE
• $SCREENHIDE, $SCREENSHOW (QB64 Metacommands)
• _SCREENHIDE, _SCREENSHOW
• _DEST