BBC BASIC

Main article: [BBC Microcomputer]
Further information: [BBC Computer Literacy Project]

History

BBC BASIC is a version of the BASIC programming language. It was made by Acorn Computers Ltd for the BBC's Computer Literacy Project in 1981.

It was first put on the BBC Microcomputer, which used a 6502 microprocessor. When Acorn made the Archimedes computer with the ARM processor, they made new versions of BBC BASIC. These versions included a built-in assembler for both the 6502 and the ARM2 processor.

Features

At first, the BBC wanted BBC BASIC to work like Microsoft BASIC. Acorn had been adding ideas from structured programming to their earlier Atom BASIC. Later, on the Archimedes computers, BBC BASIC added more features from languages like ALGOL 60.

Other Versions

Besides Acorn's BBC BASIC on the Archimedes, other companies made compiled versions. Even after Acorn stopped making computers, people kept working on BBC BASIC for newer ARM-based machines. Today, you can use BBC BASIC on other platforms through emulators or on Microsoft Windows.

History

At Dartmouth College, two teachers wanted students to learn programming. In 1964, they made a simple language called Dartmouth BASIC. This language became popular in the late 1960s and was used on early small computers in the 1970s.

The BBC wanted to help people learn about computers. They chose a computer made by Acorn Computers Ltd for their Computer Literacy Project from 1980 to 1989. This computer, called the BBC Microcomputer, used a special version of BASIC called BBC BASIC. It was easy to use and helped many people learn programming.

Platforms and versions

BBC Micro

Main article: BBC Micro

BASIC I was the first version and came on early BBC Micros.

BASIC II was used on the Acorn Electron and later BBC Micros, adding new commands.

BASIC III had versions for the UK and the US market.

BASIC IV, also called CMOS BASIC, worked with new processor instructions.

Acorn Archimedes (RISC OS)

Main article: RISC OS

When the computer switched to a new processor, many new features were added to BBC BASIC. Version V included new commands for loops and conditions. Version VI added support for more precise numbers.

Other platforms

BBC BASIC was also made to work on many other computers and systems. Versions exist for calculators, Windows, and even web browsers.

Sample code

This section shows some easy examples of code you can use with BBC BASIC. These examples help you see how the programming language works and can inspire you to try writing your own programs. The code is simple and shows basic commands that are fun to try out.