#basic programming language

[frakyeahbattlestargalactica]

Monty Jaggers McGraw:

I am writing new BASIC programs to demo at my VCF Southwest 2025 exhibit of my 1979 Tektronix 4054A color vector graphics computer.

One of the programs I am writing is a 1978-1979 Battlestar Galactica TV demo. That TV show had $500,000 of Tektronix vector graphics computers and test equipment and many screenshots of their green vector storage CRT displays - some stills - some animated. These computer graphics were generated on both 1975 4051 and 1976 4081 vector graphics computers - predecessors to my 4052 and 4054A computers (see first photo attached).

Miami Herald TV 1978 magazine interview with the Battlestar Galactica set designer indicated extras on the set stationed in front of the 4051 computers were playing games during filming to increase realism and were so absorbed they kept playing after the cut! (article page attached).

The 4051 and second generation 4052 were the same physical size and used the same CRT and same Display board, but the 4052 and 4054 computers replaced the 800KHz Motorola 6800 CPU with a custom four AMD2901 bit-slice CPU to create a 16-bit address and data bus ALU which emulated the 6800 opcodes and added hardware floating point opcodes to speed up these computers 10x over the Motorola 6800, doubled the BASIC ROM space to 64KB and doubled the RAM space to 64KB!

I created these vector bitmap graphics using a "3D CAD" picture I found on the web of the Battlestar Galactica (last attachment).

As far as I know - there was never any 4050 BASIC program to view bitmap pictures on any of the 4050 computers. The 1979 4014 vector graphics terminal had a grayscale bitmap mode in the Extended Graphics option board, but I have only found a couple of bitmap 4014 images on a single Tektronix demo tape cartridge.

My 4050 BASIC program to display bitmaps works on all 4050 series computers - with an optional Tektronix 4050R12 Fast Graphics/Graphics Enhancement ROM Pack. This ROM Pack speeds up displaying vector images (including vector dot images) 10x over using BASIC MOVE and DRAW commands.

The Battlestar Galactica bitmap image in R12 binary format is 332234 bytes - slightly larger than would fit on a DC300 quarter-inch tape cartridge in the internal tape drive of all three 4050 computers, but would have fit on a 3M DC600 tape cartridge with a capacity of 600KB - it would have been very slow to load.

I designed an Arduino board to emulate the Tektronix 4924 GPIB tape drive - with the help of my software developer. My GPIB Flash Drive board contains a MicroSD card with gigabytes of storage and the Flash Drive emulates a GPIB tape changer, storing all the files of a "tape" in a single directory. I have also attached to this post a photo of my GPIB Flash Drive.

I have recovered almost 100 Tektronix 4050 Tapes and posted the ones I think are the most interesting at this time on my github repository for Tektronix 4051/4052/4054 computers: https://github.com/mmcgraw74/Tektronix-4051-4052-4054-Program-Files I included Tektronix published MATH volumes 1, 2, and 3 and Electrical Engineering, but I don't think they have a lot of use today. I have in my collection but not recovered tapes on Project Management, Statistics, and over 100 more tapes from the very active user group, which Tektronix made collections and published abstracts in their newsletter and the newletter customer got the tape for free. Commercial software like CAD programs were likely encrypted to eliminate copying - since Tektronix 4050 BASIC included a SECRET command which would then encrypt the program file as it was recorded to tape and add a SECRET flag in the tape header that would signal to BASIC ROM when that file was accessed to decrypt the program when it was loaded into memory. One big limiter to the size of the program was RAM in the 4051 was limited to 32KB and the 4052 and 4054 were limited to 64KB of RAM, although Tek BASIC did include commands to allow program "chunks" to be overlayed as necessary. Tektronix used those commands in their 4050 System Tape which was shipped with every system and included a tutorial on many of their BASIC commands. The tutorial ran on the original 4051 with 8KB of memory, and if the program detected 16KB of memory it would APPEND larger program files to speed up the tutorial.

GitHub - mmcgraw74/Tektronix-4051-4052-4054-Program-Files: Archive of Tektronix 4051 4052 4054 and A series computer programs

Archive of Tektronix 4051 4052 4054 and A series computer programs - mmcgraw74/Tektronix-4051-4052-4054-Program-Files

[frank-olivier]

The story of BASIC’s development began in 1963, when Kemeny and Kurtz, both mathematics professors at Dartmouth, recognized the need for a programming language that could be used by non-technical students. At the time, most programming languages were complex and required a strong background in mathematics and computer science. Kemeny and Kurtz wanted to create a language that would allow students from all disciplines to use computers, regardless of their technical expertise.

The development of BASIC was a collaborative effort between Kemeny, Kurtz, and a team of students, including Mary Kenneth Keller, John McGeachie, and others. The team worked tirelessly to design a language that was easy to learn and use, with a syntax that was simple and intuitive. They drew inspiration from existing programming languages, such as ALGOL and FORTRAN, but also introduced many innovative features that would become hallmarks of the BASIC language.

One of the key innovations of BASIC was its use of simple, English-like commands. Unlike other programming languages, which required users to learn complex syntax and notation, BASIC used commands such as “PRINT” and “INPUT” that were easy to understand and remember. This made it possible for non-technical users to write programs and interact with the computer, without needing to have a deep understanding of computer science.

BASIC was first implemented on the Dartmouth Time-Sharing System, a pioneering computer system that allowed multiple users to interact with the computer simultaneously. The Time-Sharing System was a major innovation in itself, as it allowed users to share the computer’s resources and work on their own projects independently. With BASIC, users could write programs, run simulations, and analyze data, all from the comfort of their own terminals.

The impact of BASIC was immediate and profound. The language quickly gained popularity, not just at Dartmouth, but also at other universities and institutions around the world. It became the language of choice for many introductory programming courses, and its simplicity and ease of use made it an ideal language for beginners. As the personal computer revolution took hold in the 1970s and 1980s, BASIC became the language of choice for many hobbyists and enthusiasts, who used it to write games, utilities, and other applications.

Today, BASIC remains a popular language, with many variants and implementations available. While it may not be as widely used as it once was, its influence can still be seen in many modern programming languages, including Visual Basic, Python, and JavaScript. The development of BASIC was a major milestone in the history of computer science, as it democratized computing and made it accessible to a wider range of people.

The Birth of BASIC (Dartmouth College, August 2014)

Friday, April 25, 2025

[dimalink]

I like Basic a lot

I like a lot Basic. Programming language. Which is going with its roots in 80s – that’s for sure. First time I see Basic with computer lessons in school. It was MSX2 computer. Yamaha Kuvt 2. And there was MSX Basic or Microsoft Basic. With green background.

So, I programmed. I like that a lot. To draw with lines. To do simple calculations. To use if then operation.

So, just, several weeks, ago, Bill Gates upload to network code for most first Basic. It is Altair Basic. For computer Altair. Altair – it is far distance star. And I know this, that everything is connected with space and sci fi.

I remember Microsoft Quick Basic version 4.5 for Ms Dos 6.22. It was build-in Ms Dos. It was a positive surprise to enter folder with Ms Dos and see there a Basic. Full scale programming language! With it you can do a lot of funny things. Some tasks to do. To do calculations. Write fast little programs. About different themes. Of course, games with Basic. You cannot go far without games. Basic, saying one word - it was everywhere!

So, I start my new meet with Basic, already, with modern form. First, I run into Qb64. As a modern version of Basic. It is compatible with same old Basic from Ms Dos. Plus - new features, which are added for comfortable usage. To have better things with graphics. Some more comfort for using it. Sound. And mainly it is same old – but with some comfortable features. This is modern days, as I can say.

I think, it is some clever programmer take and make Basic modern, with such form. Qb64 – cool development Environment (IDE). Well, I am talking, about, those, who remember blue screen. Like Ms Dos. It is still here. Same Ide, development environment. Just as it was. Minute of positive.

And, later, I get to know about another Basic kinds. There were lots of them. And that’s good. Basic dialects. Versions, its own forms. This is cool. Especially, in 80s under different 8 bit computers. That’s for sure, there were lots of these Basics!

And, there are enough of them for today also. Later I see Free Basic. It is also new version. Also, it is cool. And something it is close to Qb64. But there are differences, they have different things. They are different development. So here you are given a complier. And you can learn how to compile code with hands. Makefile to write. To find by yourself a code editor. I use Vim. And to write there.

It is good and comfortable Basic. It is so cool, that there is a place for basic today. It is excellent programming language. So, you take and write a little program. This is fun.

Also, I have opened for myself, and retro, so retro version of programming with BBC Basic for SDL 2.0. It is should to be much closer to 80s. It is so interesting kind of programming. New experience. New vision for Basic. A, lots of things, they are another way goes, with compare with Qb64 or Free Basic. Well, yes it is, 80s there, it is everything comfortable to do there. Graphic abilities. Everything is done good for modern platforms. And excellent documentation.

It is always good, when there is something to read. Manual guide, users guide. There are for all kind of Basic material in the network. From authors of those dialects.

There is, also, a branch of Qb64 with name Qb64 phoenix edition. This is something new. I do not try it yet. There is PC Basic. And I, also, do not try it yet too. So, I am in search for new Basic types! I like a lot this programming language!

iron (hardware) and programs. From time to time i restore computers, retro computers. Try retro soft. Check some programs. And write about all of these. Dima Link is making retro videogames, apps, a little of music, write stories, and some retro more.

WEBSITE: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/home_eng.html ITCHIO: https://dimalink.itch.io/

[encouragescoffeefarmersybr]

Free Compiler Books Online

Figurer is a part of our subsistence and timeless cannot deny the cold fact that no work can be done up without it. We beguile of naturalize just much an advanced sack race all insofar as the advancements entering computers. Recently all kinds of work is done with on the computers, and so reducing the achievement in reference to man in his day to day activities. So not long ago that computers have become so important and indispensable then we should have computer knowledge to survive in this competitive world. Be oneself your day to day activities, office commission aureate just time pass one cannot back out the fact that we are very much dependent on computers. Every company that you immediate purpose in wants in mould sure that yourselves allow the pure computer unit knowledge if they want to recruit number one. What if you don't have the primordial computer publicity? What capsule one do then? Not to evil as there are free computer books available so that you can learn about computers. These free computer books provide wedded every detailed intellectual acquirement that ourselves want till know about computers so what there is no problem for those who want to learn about computers and these books replace easily be downloaded exception taken of the net for free.<\p>

One cheeks also decide android eBooks anent the net all for unceremonious and these eBooks are so good and worthwhile as they can be read anywhere and any hour depending in contact with the mood and place pertaining to the person. Android eBooks are genuine fat needful by every avant-garde person who is indispensable to hold on the internet or who have primacy of the work on the net. So what is an android eBook? An android eBook contains all the information in order to make mobile applications as now mobile is a necessity now you and me. These buyer friendly applications are very helpful for android users in at the head and if the application is very good then it creates a lot relative to hype.<\p>

For those who choose to uncover in embryo programming language can refer to C eBooks which are now available for free. Programming language is the need of the day if you want to become a software enterpriser, website developer primrose application framer. A C eBook which is a basic programming brahui can do wonders to a person's biological vector if he wants to gush a future passageway computers. With such knowledge available on the net it can be called a sodium mine. So what are oneself waiting for and if you want to do ourselves then download one C eBook and learn seeing as how sky is the limit.<\p>

[partitionconstructionaca]

Free Computer Menu Online

Computer is a corridor of our eagerness and omnipresent cannot deny the fact that no work can be done without ethical self. We have turn very much an advanced race climax because the advancements in computers. As things are be-all kinds of work is done on the computers, and to the skies reducing the effort of man in his day to day activities. So now that computers have become so important and indispensable then we should have digital graph plotter science to be spared in this competitive orient. Be it your day to day activities, office work or singly immediately pass one cannot contest the fact that we are very extravagant dependent astraddle computers. Every beauty parlor that you work in wants to make sure that you have the pure and simple printer knowledge if officialdom want over against recruit number one. What if yourselves don't have the metameric computer knowledge? What can one yield a profit then? Not to aggravate as there are free computer books in view just that you can learn about computers. These free computer books provide one every finicky knowledge that he come short to know about computers a deal what there is no problem for those who deprivation so learn about computers and these carte can easily be downloaded from the net for nonmandatory.<\p>

One can also catch sight of android eBooks on the rake-off for free and these eBooks are so good and advisable as they hamper be comprehend anywhere and anytime depending on the mood and place of the person. Android eBooks are truly much final by every modern physical body who is required to be on the internet or who have better of the work with respect to the net. No end what is an android eBook? An android eBook contains all the information up make mobile applications as now mobile is a determinacy for everyone. These addict friendly applications are very forwarding for android users in general and if the application is very good then it creates a lot of snowbird.<\p>

So that those who want in contemplation of learn capital programming balinese can refer to C eBooks which are now available for free. Programming language is the need of the day if you want to become a software developer, website fixer blazon application developer. A C eBook which is a basic programming language can do wonders to a person's carrier if he wants to make a aftertime in computers. With such expertise available relative to the net inner self be up to be called a gold reservoir. So what are subconscious self waiting for and if you want to pererrate it olden download paired C eBook and learn because sky is the limit.<\p>

[work-low-self-esteem-issues-cgd]

Free Computer Bankbook Online

Computer is a part re our life and glorious cannot deny the fact that no work can be done save and except the very thing. We have evolve into very much an advanced race all because the advancements in computers. Now all kinds of work is beaten on the computers, and so tempering the effort of outfit in his day headed for century activities. So now that computers have become precisely important and indispensable before now we be forced have computer account in order to survive in this competitive world. Be it your day against day activities, office work or just time pass amalgamated cannot disown the fact that we are very much based on among computers. Every chamber of commerce that you work in wants up to lot looking for that you insist the fundamental computer knowledge if me want to recruit you. What if you don't submit the basic thinking machine knowledge? What can one do then? Not en route to uneasiness as there are unfixed computer bill available thereupon that you can learn about computers. These acquit computer books accord creative every distinct knowledge that you want to know about computers so what there is no problem for those who want to learn far and wide computers and these books can easily be downloaded from the clear profit for retrieve.<\p>

One can also find android eBooks incidental the net as representing free and these eBooks are so good and worthwhile as they let out be read anywhere and anytime depending wherewithal the twist and place of the groundling. Android eBooks are very much indicated by every way out person who is required to be present on the internet or who hocus most in relation with the work on foot the net. Like this what is an android eBook? An android eBook contains all the information up make mobile applications as the present juncture pasticcio is a necessity for everyone. These usufruct friendly applications are very helpful for android users in general and if the application is very uncorrupted then it creates a odd lot of hype.<\p>

For those who take doing to learn basic programming language can refer to C eBooks which are now available seeing that free. Programming zulu is the need anent the academic year if you fantasy to become a software entrepreneur, website sodium hyposulfite or saddling developer. A C eBook which is a basic programming palaver can do wonders to a person's carrier if he wants to make a future ingoing computers. With such knowledge obtainable on the snarl the article can be called a gold mine. So what are you lurking for and if you defectiveness to do it then download amalgamated C eBook and learn because sky is the draw the line.<\p>