PureBasic is a powerful and easy-to-learn programming language that has been around since the late 1990s. It was developed by French programmer Frederic Laboureur and is known for its simplicity, speed, and cross-platform compatibility. PureBasic is particularly popular for creating native applications and games that can run on Windows, Linux, and macOS. In this guide, we will provide an overview of the PureBasic language, show you how to write your first program with an example, and discuss some of the best applications for PureBasic.

Overview of PureBasic:
PureBasic is a high-level programming language that is easy to learn, yet powerful enough to create complex applications. It features a syntax that is similar to BASIC, which makes it easy for beginners to understand. Unlike other languages, PureBasic compiles code directly into machine code, which means that programs written in PureBasic can run much faster than interpreted languages.

One of the key features of PureBasic is its cross-platform compatibility. Programs written in PureBasic can run on Windows, Linux, and macOS without the need for any additional libraries or runtime environments. This makes it easy to develop applications that can be used on multiple platforms, which is particularly useful for developers who want to create games or other software that can be played or used on different operating systems.

Writing Your First PureBasic Program:
To write your first PureBasic program, you will need to download and install the PureBasic IDE from the official website. Once you have installed the IDE, you can open it and create a new project.

In the IDE, you will see a code editor where you can write your PureBasic code. To create a simple program that displays a message, you can use the following code:

```
Procedure HelloWorld()
    Debug "Hello, World!"
EndProcedure

HelloWorld()
```

This program defines a procedure called `HelloWorld` that prints the message "Hello, World!" to the debug console. The program then calls this procedure using the `HelloWorld()` function.

To run this program, you can click on the "Run" button in the IDE. The program will compile and run, and you should see the message "Hello, World!" in the debug console.

Applications of PureBasic:
PureBasic has many applications, including:

1. Game development: PureBasic is well-suited for creating games, particularly 2D games, because of its speed and cross-platform compatibility.

2. Native application development: Because PureBasic compiles code directly into machine code, it is an ideal choice for creating native applications that run quickly and efficiently on multiple platforms.

3. System programming: PureBasic can be used for system programming tasks, such as creating drivers, system utilities, and low-level software.

4. Web development: PureBasic can be used in conjunction with web development technologies to create dynamic web applications.

Conclusion:
PureBasic is a powerful and easy-to-learn programming language that is ideal for creating native applications and games that can run on multiple platforms. With its simple syntax, fast performance, and cross-platform compatibility, PureBasic is a great choice for beginners and experienced developers alike. By following the steps in this guide, you should be able to write your first PureBasic program and explore the many applications of this versatile language.