BASIC Programming is an Atari Video Computer System (later called the Atari 2600) cartridge that teaches simple computer programming using a dialect of BASIC. Written by Warren Robinett and released by Atari, Inc. in 1980, this BASIC interpreter is one of a few non-game cartridges for the console. The Atari VCS’s RAM size of 128 bytes restricts the possibilities for writing programs.
Details
The BASIC Programming display is divided into six regions:
- Program is where instructions are typed. It has a maximum of eleven lines of code.
- Stack shows temporary results of what the program does.
- Variables stores the values of any variables that the program is using.
- Output displays any output values that the program creates.
- Status shows the amount of available memory remaining.
- Graphics contains two colored squares that can be manipulated by the program.
Input is given through two Atari keypad controllers, which came with special overlays to show how to type the different commands and letters. Programs are restricted to 64 characters in size and normally 9 lines of code, limiting the programs that can be written (users can disable all windows except Program and keep selecting “New Line” until 11 lines of code are present).
Language features
VCS BASIC supports the following keywords:
- Statements:
Print - Structure:
Goto,If-Then-Else - Graphics:
Clear - Functions:
Hit,Key - Math:
+ - × ÷ Mod - Relational operators:
< > =
Unlike most BASIC implementations of the time:
- VCS BASIC uses ← instead of = for assignment; e.g.,
A←A+1. - Statements can be strung together on a line without a delimiter; e.g.,
Note←APrintA. - An
Ifstatement can be used as a function, returning a value:Ver1←Ver1+IfVer1Mod2Then8Else92 Ifstatements can take anElseclause.
Special variable names:
Notesounds a musical note, assigned numbers from 0 to 7- Numbers assigned to
Noteare implicitly assigned modulus 8, thus 8 becomes 0, 9 becomes 1, etc.
- Numbers assigned to
Hor1,Hor2– the horizontal coordinate of one of two squaresVer1,Ver2– the vertical coordinate of one of two squares
The language supports 26 unsigned integer variables A to Z. VCS BASIC supports integers from 0 to 99. Math operations wrap, so 99+1 becomes 0, 99+2 becomes 1, etc.
Sample code
The following example of a Pong game is provided.
1 Hor2←2+Key 2IfVer1>90ThenVer1←883IfHitThenVer1←94Ver1←Ver1+IfVer1Mod2Then8Else92 5 Hor1←Hor1+7 6Goto1
See also
- List of Atari 2600 games
- Spectravideo CompuMate
- Family BASIC
References
External links
- Compumate FAQ:BASIC PROGRAMME EXAMPLES FOR ATARI 2600 (BASIC PROGRAMMING & CompuMate) at the Wayback Machine (archived 23 January 2004)
Gamer24h Editor's Take
Having closely reviewed BASIC Programming, the Gamer24h editorial team considers it one of the most noteworthy titles of recent times. The visionary approach of developer Atari, Inc., combined with the expertise of publisher Atari, Inc., has resulted in an exceptionally refined product. Its innovative take on the Retro genre offers a breath of fresh air for fans of the category. All in all, the Gamer24h team stands firmly behind our rating. This is a unique journey you won't want to miss.