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Section 3
Simple Programming
What Is a Program?
A program is a sequence of keystrokes that is remembered by the
calculator. You can execute a given program as often as you like—
typically with just one keystroke. The answer displayed at the end of
execution is the same one you would have obtained by pressing the keys
one at a time manually. No prior programming experience is necessary to
learn HP-34C programming.
Why Write Programs?
Programs are written to save time on repetitive calculations. Once you
have written the keystroke procedure for a particular problem and
recorded it in the calculator, you need no longer devote attention to the
individual keystrokes that make up the procedure. You can let your
HP-34C calculate the solution to each problem for you. And you can
have more confidence in the answer. Why? Because once you have
checked that your program is correctly recorded in the calculator, you
may be sure that the calculator will execute your commands faithfully,
without the slips you might make if you had to manually press the keys
over and over again. The calculator performs the drudgery, leaving
your mind free for more creative work.
Before proceeding, let's take another look at the powerful programming
features designed into your HP-34C:
®
An easily understood programming language.
m
Twelve labels you can use (and re-use) to designate various
programs and portions of programs.
8
Fully merged program lines. Commands requiring multiple
keystrokes—such as (7] [Sin] or
1—consume only
one line of program memory.
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