INSIDE ATARI BASIC¢By Bill Carris.¢¢¢Introduction:¢¢ The purpose of this book is to introduce you to the key concepts of BASIC programming while inflicting as little pain as possible.¢ This is a workbook to be used along with an Atari Home Computer. When you complete this book you should not only have a beginner's understanding of the BASIC language, but also an introduction to Atari Computer GRAPHICS and SOUND capabilities as well as other interesting Atari Computer features.¢ I have intentionally avoided flow charts, many unnecessary details, most exceptions to rules, and other traditional computer education approaches because, while they are necessary evils for the professional programmer, they can also have a tendency to alienate the beginner.¢ Professional programming requires exacting and tedious attention to detail, but learning how to do elementary programs on a home computer is more of an adventurous and enjoyable exploration of the man-machine relationship. It is simply "No-Big-Deal" if you make a mistake while learning how to operate a home computer. Those who learn from their mistakes and master this book should be chomping at the bit for more advanced information and methods. A few may even develop the dedication to become professionals. But, first things first - Welcome to ATARI BASIC.¢ What is BASIC? BASIC is a very popular computer language, which is easier to learn than most.¢¢¢PART 1 - BASIC PROGRAMMING¢¢Atari 400/800 owners:¢ To insert the BASIC cartridge, first open the cartridge door by pulling the latch down and toward you. Next, with the label facing you, push the cartridge slowly but firmly down into the cartridge slot. When you close the cartridge door, turn the computer on and your TV should display the 'READY' prompt.¢¢Atari XL/XE owners:¢ BASIC is built into your machine. Simply switch on the computer and wait for the 'READY' prompt.¢¢¢If the 'READY' prompt does not appear consult your owner's guide.¢¢¢¢Tips for the beginning programmer:¢¢- Fear not! Nothing you can type will damage the computer of your TV.¢¢- Making ERRORS is a natural part of learning to program. Everyone makes errors so you might as well get used to the idea.¢¢- It is normal for your computer to use UPPER-CASE letters. It will not accept instructions written in lower-case letters.¢¢- Also, when you get to the edge of the screen, just keep typing; the computer will automatically "wrap around" to the next line.¢¢- Since computers are very particular creatures, it is important that you do not confuse your zeros with the letter O. The zero is on top of the keyboard and the letter O happens to be very close to it. If you look closely at a zero on the TV screen, you will see that it has an S shape in the centre (0) and the letter O does not. Most computer printers and many people listing programs cross the zero to avoid confusion.¢¢¢Key Concepts:¢¢ Although your computer's keyboard is very much like a typewriter's keyboard, it has some special features. You need to learn about some of these features right away and others later.¢ Here a few keys you should know about sraight away. Try them out...¢¢(1) DELETE BACK SPACE - This key will rub out any letter you type by accident. Type a few letters then BACKSPACE over them to get the idea.¢¢(2) RESET - This key will help if you get confused with what is happening on the screen. Until you get familiar with the keyboard, you might accidentally create a screen full of error messages or characters you don't understand. To clear up a confusing screen and start from scratch, press RESET.¢¢(3) RETURN - When you press RETURN you are telling the computer that you are entering your information or answer.¢¢Just a brief reminder:¢¢NOTHING HAPPENS UNLESS YOU PRESS THE RETURN KEY!¢¢(4) SHIFT - You will also be introduced to some two-key combinations which will require you to hold one key while pressing another. The first is the combination needed to print quotes. Hold down the SHIFT key and press the 2 key at the same time.¢¢(5) INVERSE - This key is situated at the bottom right of your keyboard. It pits you into INVERSE VIDEO. Press it and type something. Press it again and you're back to normal.¢¢(6) CAPS - This key gives you lower case. Press it and type some lower-case letters. To get out of lower case, 400/800 owners have to hold SHIFT and press CAPS. XL/XE owners just have to press CAPS again (NO SHIFT!!).¢¢NOTE: Inverse video and lower-case letters will be handy later, but as mentioned before, you should work in standard UPPER CASE when learning.¢¢-------------------------------------¢¢Inside Atari Basic¢(C) 1983¢RESTON PUBLISHING COMPANY, INC.¢¢Conversion to DOC files by S.J.Murray,¢North Of Scotland Atari User Group.¢¢¢Next Issue : PRINT, REM, LIST, LPRINT, END, NEW, POSITION, etc.¢
