BASIC is a high-level programming language designed for beginners. Its name stands for "Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code." Developed in the 1960s, it aimed to provide an easy way for people to learn programming concepts without getting overwhelmed by complex syntax. The language allows users to write simple commands to perform tasks, making it accessible for educational purposes. Over the years, various versions of BASIC have emerged, including Visual Basic, which incorporates graphical user interface elements, further simplifying the programming process for new developers.