The [SYSTEM](SYSTEM) statement immediately closes a program and returns control to the operating system. 

## Syntax

> **SYSTEM** [return_code%]

## Parameter(s)

* QB64 allows a *code* number to be used after SYSTEM to be read in another program module by the [SHELL](SHELL) or [_SHELLHIDE](_SHELLHIDE) functions.

## Description

* This command should be used to close a program quickly instead of pausing with [END](END) or nothing at all.
* A code can be added after the statement to send a value to the [SHELL (function)](SHELL-(function)) or [_SHELLHIDE](_SHELLHIDE) function in another module.
* SYSTEM ends the program and closes the window immediately. The last screen image may not be displayed.

## QBasic

* **QBasic BAS files can be run like compiled programs without returning to the IDE when [SYSTEM](SYSTEM) is used to [END](END) them!**
* If a program BAS module is run from the IDE, stopped by Ctrl-Break or an error occurs the QB program will exit to the IDE.
* To run a QuickBASIC program without the IDE use the following DOS command line: QB.EXE /L /RUN filename.BAS

## See Also

* [SHELL (function)](SHELL-(function))
* [_SHELLHIDE](_SHELLHIDE) (function)
* [_EXIT (function)](_EXIT-(function)), [END](END)