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CHAPTER
6
BASIC
Overview
The
PC-8201
is
provided
with
N
82
-BASIC
as
its
programming
language.
This chapter describes simply the concept and the use of
BASIC, with examples of various simple operations.
BASIC Language
A
computer
will
remind
you
of
a
complicated
and
difficult
machine.
However, a regularly used small calculator is a type of
computer,
and
its
principle
is
essentially
the
same
as
a
large
computer.
A major difference between a calculator and computers
like the PC-8201 is that the calculator is usually limited in the kind
of tasks it can perform.
A typical computer, as well as the PC-8201, can perform various
operations
and
more
sophisticated
tasks.
For
example,
it
can
execute a complicated calculation, create graphics, animate graphics,
produce sound, etc.
To execute such varied functions and tasks, words (special language)
are
needed to direct
commands
and
precise
instructions to
the
computer.
However, the computer cannot understand our human
language.
Languages
have
been
developed
for the purpose of transmitting
commands
or
instructions to the
computer.
One of the
most
common of the languages is called "BASIC", meaning "Beginner's
All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code".
The BASIC language that the PC-8201 uses is N
82
-BASIC.
This
programming language is easy to use and has the following advan¬
tages:
6-1
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