Section 5: Programming; What Is A Program; Why Write Programs - HP 25 Owner's Handbook Manual

Section 5
Programming
As we briefly explained in the introduction, calculator program-
ming is as simple as pressing the keys you would manually press
to solve your problem. But even though HP-25 calculator
programming is simple to understand and use, it is very powerful ,
featuring:
• An obvious programming language .
• 49 usable steps of program memory.
• The ability to combine several keystrokes into each step.
• Decision-making capability for sophisticated routines.
• Several editing operations to facilitate corrections.
Together these features provide you with the tools necessary
to tackle complex problems with unabashed confidence.
What is a Program?
A program is nothing more than a sequence of manual key-
strokes that is remembered by the calculator. You can then
execute the program as often as you like with less chance of
error. 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 for
HP-25 calculator programming .
Why Write Programs?
Programs are written to save you time on repetitive calculations.
Once you have written the keystroke procedure for solving 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 the calculator solve each
problem for you. And because you can easily check the proce-
dure in your program, you have more confidence in your final
answer since you don ' t have to worry each time about whether
or not you have pressed an incorrect key. The calculator per-
forms the drudgery, leaving your mind free for more creative
work.
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