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ATARI PROGRAMMING BOOKS REVIEW by Peter Hibbs
There is always a need for technical books by Atari programmers, the
problem is which books to get especially when funds are limited and
whether they are even still available. This article provides a brief
description of a number of Atari related programming books that I and
some colleagues own and which may be of some help to prospective
purchasers. It is not intended to be an 'in-depth' review of each book
but rather a description of what the book contains and whether we think
it is worth buying. This is, of course, a purely subjective view, other
readers may have a different idea on the usefulness of any particular
book although I don't think you can have too many books on programming
since no book tells the user absolutely everything he wants to know
(usually quite the reverse in fact).
Unfortunately a number of these books are no longer available although
some may be obtainable in America if anyone has any contacts there. The
prices (where quoted) are what I paid at the time and may be different
now and should, therefore, only be taken as a rough guide. The asterisks
following the titles indicate that the book is available from the address
mentioned at the end of this document.
Several of the books mentioned below (including the ST Internals and
Compute books) appear in the latest ST Applications magazine 'For Sale'
section, presumably being sold by programmers that are defecting to other
computers. If you don't have the mag we (ICTARI) can let you have the
contact numbers if you ring us on 0425 474415.
----------------------------
Atari ST Internals (480 pages)
Published by Abacus Software ISBN 0-916439-46-1 (£14.95)
Authors- K Gerits, L Englisch, R Bruckmann
This book seems to have become the Atari bible on the ST and is
reasonably comprehensive although lacking in great detail. It gives a
brief description of the main chips and how they are used in the system
as well as their addresses in the memory map. There is not really
sufficient detailed information on the chips to program them properly
however.
Chapter 2 deals with the interfaces and gives quite a good amount of
information on the connections and particularly on how to program the
keyboard processor. There are also details on the cartridge port, video
port, MIDI port, DMA port and the Centronics port.
Chapter 3 covers the operating system calls i.e. GEMDOS, BIOS, XBIOS, A
LINE calls, exception vectors, interrupts and VT52 emulator. Each BIOS
call is described with a brief example of how to use it in C and
Assembler. There are very few practical examples of code however. There
is also a list of system variables and the 68000 instruction set.
The last 190 pages are taken up by a dissaembled listing of part of the
BIOS system which can be useful if you need to delve into the operating
system but wastes a lot of space if you don't. The appendix shows the
three system fonts and an index.
There are a number of minor errors in the book but not any that a
reasonably competent programmer can't sort out. The book is quite well
laid out and it is easy to find the information you are looking for, I
find that I tend to use this book first when looking up any BIOS calls.
It is certainly worth having as a good reference book in spite of the
lack of detailed information. There is, of course, no mention of the
extra STE BIOS calls as the book was issued before the STE came out.
----------------------------
ATARI ST 3D Graphics programming (330 pages) *
Published by Abacus Software ISBN 0-916439-69-0 (£17.95)
Author- Uwe Braun
This book describes methods for drawing 3D images and provides dozens of
example programs all in machine code. There are a lot of illustrations
and explanations of the various programs. There is quite a lot of maths
involved in some of the explanations but this could probably be skipped
over if it is too difficult (I did). It covers line drawing, clipping,
hidden lines, fill surfaces, shading, etc, etc. It is fairly heavy going
if you are going to follow all the code in the book but it does give a
lot of useful information on drawing line images. Recommended if you are
into 3D graphics.
----------------------------
GEM on the ATARI ST (414 pages)
Published by Abacus Software ISBN 0 948015 667 (£12.95)
Authors- Norbert Szczepanowski, Bernd Gunther
This book is basically a reference book for the GEM VDI and AES rather
than a tutorial on GEM. Each VDI and AES call is shown with the C and
Assembler format as well as the function of the various arrays (i.e
contrl, intin, intout, pstsin, etc). There are a few example programs in
C and Assembler which help but there is no way you could learn the VDI
and AES from this book. However, once you know what you are doing it is
an extremely useful reference book because it is well laid out and quite
easy to find the information you want. There are also diagrams of the
different fill patterns and text types and I find that I use this book
frequently.
----------------------------
ST Disk Drives: Inside and Out (410 pages) *
Published by Abacus Software ISBN 0-916439-84-4 (£18.95)
Authors- Uwe Braun, Stefan Dittrich, Axel Schramm
This book gives a fairly detailed description of the disk file structures
for floppy disks and hard disks (the Atari SH204 anyway) as well as a
useful example of a simple RAM disk program. There are descriptions of
the boot sector, BIOS parameter block, directory format, File Allocation
Tables, program header, relocation table,etc.
There is a very detailed description of the Floppy Disk Controller chip
(the WD1772) including the hardware layout and register functions. There
are numerous examples with detailed flow charts.
Most of the example programs are in Assembler although there are also
brief examples of C, Basic and even Pascal and Fortran. A large chunk of
the book is taken up with a program listing (in Assembler) of a disk
editor. There are also some (brief) examples of using the file handling
BIOS calls and a formatting program.
This book covers all the basics of disk drives but, considering the size
of the book, does not seem to go into great detail on file handling
(especially on hard disks) but is, nevertheless, a useful book to have.
----------------------------
Atari ST Tricks & Tips (262 pages) *
Published by Abacus Software ISBN 0-916439-47-X (£13.95)
Authors- K Gerits, L Englisch, R Bruckmann, J Walkowiak
This book is basically a book for beginners, it has programming examples
in ST BASIC, Assembler and C. The program listings include a clock
display (Basic), a time displayer, a print spooler, RAM Disk, printer
screen dump in colour, plotter dump in colour (all in Assembler). There
are some C examples of GEM programming such as window applications and
accessories. These are fairly brief but do provide some useful
information, probably a useful book to have if it is cheap enough but
most of the contents can be found in other larger books.
----------------------------
Atari ST: Volume 1: The VDI (343 pages) * (Now out of print)
Published by COMPUTE! Books ISBN 0-87455-093-9 (£18.95)
Author- Sheldon Leemon
This book explains the operations of the VDI GEM calls in quite good
detail with plenty of example programs. Most of the listings are in C
(with a few in Assembler and Basic) but they are usually easy enough to
follow. The main advantage is that the main functions are well explained
with numerous diagrams included. The appendix includes the keyboard
codes, VDI font format and the system character set with the decimal
equivalent codes. There is a comprehensive VDI function reference section
and a good index to the main sections. It is not quite so easy to find a
particular subject quickly but it is an essential book to have when
trying to learn how to use the VDI system.
----------------------------
Atari ST: Volume 2: The AES (330 pages) *
Published by COMPUTE! Books ISBN 0-87455-114-5 (£18.95)
Author- Sheldon Leemon
This is the second volume of the COMPUTE! series and covers the AES part
of GEM. There are detailed explanations of starting applications, windows
(including the dreaded rectangle list redraw system), resource files,
menus, file selector, object handling, events (including evnt_multi),
etc, etc. There is also some information on graphics libraries and
accessories. As in the previous book most of the examples are in C but
the main listings are also shown in Assembler. Again this book is
essential for learning about the AES.
----------------------------
Atari ST: Volume 3: The TOS (410 pages) *
Published by COMPUTE! Books ISBN 0-87455-149-8 (£22.95)
Author- Sheldon Leemon
This is the third book in the COMPUTE! series and covers the TOS (the
BIOS calls, XBIOS calls and GEMDOS calls) in some considerable detail.
Each function is described with numerous example programs in C and
Assembler. There is also detailed coverage of the Keyboard controller,
graphics, sound chip, A line routines, MFP chip and file handling
functions. The appendix gives information on error codes, system
characters, keyboard codes, ST memory map and VT52 escape sequences,
amongst other things. Although the Atari Internals book (described above)
also contains much of the same information, this book describes the
operation of the calls in much more detail. Even though this book was
written at a later date than the previous books there is still no mention
of the extra STE XBIOS calls. Nevertheless, definitely a book to have in
your library.
----------------------------
Atari ST: Machine Language Programming Guide (315 pages)
Published by COMPUTE! Books ISBN 0-87455-039-4 (£18.95)
Author- Simon Field
This book is intended for beginners in Machine code programming on the
Atari ST. The main part of the book describes the 68000 instruction set
and how to write machine code programs. It uses the AS68 assembler as an
example but the programs can easily be converted to a more modern
assembler such as DevPac. The second half of the book shows example
programs using various BIOS calls and how to display sprites on screen,
how to generate sounds, etc. There is quite a comprehensive list of
system variables with a brief description of each one.
This book would be very useful for the programmer who is new to machine
code but the experienced programmer would probably not find much new in
it.
----------------------------
The ST Assembly Language Workshop (261 pages) *
Published by Kuma Computers Ltd ISBN 0-7457-0053-5 (£14.95)
Author- Clayton Walnum
This is another book for learning machine code on the Atari. It covers
all the 68000 instructions set and has plenty of example programs, some
of which also use the BIOS calls. Again this book will be useful for
beginners but less so for experienced machine code programmers. This book
is, in fact, the first of a set of three. The next two, which I don't
think have been published yet, will cover the programming of the GEM, VDI
and AES in some detail. If they cover the subject in as much detail as
this book does, they should be worth getting.
----------------------------
Midi and Sound Book for the Atari ST (295 pages) *
Published by M & T Publishing Inc ISBN 1-55851-042-7 (£17.25)
Authors- B Enders, W Klemme
This book describes the operation of the sound chip with a few example
programs in GFA Basic and C although the subject is covered fairly
briefly. The next section describes the MIDI system in quite some detail
including the MIDI command set and some examples of professional MIDI
programs. The supplement describes a circuit for a sound digitizer and
then lists a program (in Assembler) to sample the sound and replay it
through the sound chip. The supplement also includes a table of note
pitches with their equivalent frequencies and hex codes for the sound
chip and covers octaves -3 to +4. For anyone interested in MIDI or sound
sampling this would be a very useful book to have.
----------------------------
Real-Time 3D Graphics for the Atari ST (254 pages) *
Published by Sigma Press, UK ISBN 1-85058-217-3 (£12.95)
Author- Andrew Tyler
This book is definitely for the advanced machine code programmer and
describes a method of drawing 3D graphics in real time. The examples
cover A line routines, line drawing, polygon filling, hidden line
removal, surface illumination, mouse and joystick control, clipping and
dozens of other subjects. There are thousands of lines of machine code
(which is available on disk) as well as diagrams and mathmatical
formulae. This book is obviously full of very useful data once you can
decipher it all although it must be said that the explanations with the
routines are very well done and are quite comprehensive. For the price
the book is also very good value for money and if you need to know about
Homogeneous coordinates, Bresenham Algorithms, frustums of visibility,
Euler angles, etc then this is the book for you (and even if you don't it
is still a useful book to have).
----------------------------
C-Manship complete (398 pages) *
Published by Kuma Computers Ltd ISBN 0-7457-0042-X (£14.95)
Author- Clayton Walnum
This book describes the VDI and AES on the Atari ST using the C language.
There are plenty of examples of programming techniques in C and is very
useful for learning how the AES and the VDI work on the Atari ST. The
book is not so good for learning C itself, however. Some other standard
text book on C would be required for this.
----------------------------
Program Design Techniques for the Atari ST (360 pages)
Published by Kuma Computers Ltd ISBN 07457 0029 2 (£14.95)
Author- Paul Overaa
This book is primarily concerned with the techniques of programming
rather than the detailed information on the ST hardware or software, in
fact, although the ST features in the title, there is very little
concerning the ST itself. The book could be used in conjunction with any
computer that allows the use of C or Basic programming. The book shows
the methods of planning a large program by breaking it down into smaller
sections and coding each section with flow charts. There are descriptions
of Venn diagrams, truth tables, Karnaugh maps, etc and the main emphasis
is on Warnier diagrams as a means of showing program structure in
diagrammatic form rather than conventional flow charts. The languages
covered are Assembler, C and Basic. This book would probably be quite
useful for beginners to programming but less useful for experienced
programmers.
----------------------------
Introducing Atari ST machine code (400 pages) *
Published by zzSoft ISBN 1 873423 01 2 (£19.75)
Authors- R Pearson, S Hodgson
This book is for machine code programmers who have a reasonable knowledge
of the 68000 CPU and wish to know how to program with the Atari operating
system. There is only a brief explanation of the instruction set, the
majority of the book being concerned with using the GEM system calls.
Chapters 1-5 describe the data types, debugging, addressing modes and
instructions. The following chapters cover file handling, screen mapping,
picture conversion (Degas), disk formatting, VDI, GEM objects, drop-down
menus, text editing, file selector, bit images, GEM windows, VDI, GDOS
and assign files, desk accessories and GFA Basic interfacing. Each
section seems to be covered in quite good detail and there are hundreds
of example programs. There is also a disk available which contains all
the source code shown in the book as well as an assembler, debugger and a
resource code editor. In the miscellaneous section there are some useful
tips on programming and some small example programs for solving the
'right mouse button' using the event_mult AES call, booting from drive B
and ASCII-Hex and Hex-ASCII conversion routines. I would recommend this
book for any machine code programmers who do not have anything
equivalent.
----------------------------
Musical Applications of the Atari ST's (90 pages) *
Published by Bernard Babani Ltd ISBN 0-85934-191-7 (£5.95)
Author- R A Penfold
Although this book has only 90 pages the size of the pages are larger
than the other books described (19cm x 26cm) and at only £6 is good value
for money. The first chapter describes the operation of the internal
sound chip and the register functions. The next chapter shows the various
MIDI connections used with musical instruments, thru boxes, MIDI filters,
etc. The are lots of circuit diagrams showing the various configurations.
The next two chapters describe the MIDI system itself with more circuit
diagrams. The next chapter describes some MIDI applications programs such
as Notator, EZ-Track and a shareware sequencer program. There is then a
chapter on 'add-ons' with circuit diagrams to wire up. There are a number
of small programs in Basic to use in conjunction with the sound chip and
the MIDI ports. A useful book for anyone interested in MIDI applications.
----------------------------
The Concise Atari ST 68000 Programmers reference guide (320 pages)
Published by Glentop Publishers Ltd ISBN 1-85181-017-X (£15.95)
Author- Katherine Peel
This is purely a reference book and consists mainly of lists of GEM
functions, tables, hardware connections, etc, etc. Virtually everything
to do with the Atari ST (not STE) is listed somewhere in the book
although it can be quite hard to find sometimes. There are a few machine
code example programs in the back but not anything that can't be found
elsewhere. There are virtually no explanations of any of the data so you
need to know what you are looking for to be able to use the book
properly.
----------------------------
Microprocessor Programming for the Computer Hobbyist (380 pages)
Published by TAB Books, Pennsylvania, USA ISBN 0-8306-6952-3 (£6,50)
Author- Neil Graham
This is not specifically an ATARI book, it is a general book on
programming and can be used by any programmer since it is not designed
for any particular language. It covers various programming techniques
such as Number systems, Base conversions, Data definitions, Control
structures, Program design, Multiple precision arithmetic, Floating point
arithmetic, Pseudo random numbers, Data structures, Stacks, Queues,
Deques, Strings, Chains, Trees, Graphs, Searching trees & lists, Hashing,
Indexes, Key retrieval, Searching game trees and sorting lists, etc. All
the example programs and routines are listed in 'pseudo code', i.e. as a
list of operations so that they can be easily coded in the users
language. I have used it lots of times for solving programming problems
and I would suggest it is an essential book for any programmer to have.
Unfortunately, according to my local bookshop, it is not available in
this country any more although some specialised technical bookshops (such
as those found in University cities) may still have copies. If you can
find a copy, buy it (and let us know).
----------------------------
HiSoft have just released two new Atari books which I have not seen. I
quote from their advertisment in ST User magazine :-
"Modern Atari System Software (256 pages) £19.95
This invaluable book contains all the latest details of Atari's newest
system software together with the bindings for Lattice C 5.60, HiSoft
Basic 2.10 and DevPac 3.10 - essential for all serious programmers who
want to use these packages. Majoring on the Falcon030, Modern Atari
System Software contains extensive discussion on programming this
exciting new machine.
The Atari Compendium (840 pages) £39.95
Finally! This book, from Scott Sanders, provides the most comprehensive
collection of information designed for every level of Atari programmer.
It covers all Atari 680x0 computers from the 520ST up to the Falcon030
and includes a detailed reference for every function present in TOS 1.0
up to TOS 4, and beyond. This is the book we've all been waiting for.."
These books sound good and usually HiSoft release good quality material,
perhaps if anyone gets one they could send in a short review.
The following books are also available from the address below although I
have not seen them, perhaps someone else who has could enlighten the rest
of us.
Atari Basic to C by Hart and Wig
Atari ST Graphics Applications by Dirk Schaun
Atari ST Machine Language by Grohmann, Seidler & Slibar
Atari ST Programmers Guide by Gilbert Held
Compute! ST Artist by Bateman & Noel
Presenting the Atari ST by Englisch & Walkowiak
The Atari ST Explored by John Braga
Program by example Atari ST by Graham McMaster
Program Design Techs Atari ST by John Braga
Most of the above books are available from-
Douglas Communications, PO Box 119
Stockport, SK2 6HW
Telephone 061-4569587