BBC BASIC

BBC BASIC is an interpreted version of the BASIC programming language. It was developed by Acorn Computers Ltd when they were chosen by the BBC to provide the computer for their BBC Computer Literacy Project in 1981.

It was originally included on a built-in ROM for the BBC Microcomputer, which used a 6502 microprocessor. When Acorn created the Archimedes computer with their ARM processor, new versions of BBC BASIC were made. Acorn also included a built-in assembler, first for the 6502 and later for the ARM2 processor.

At first, the BBC wanted compatibility with Microsoft BASIC. Acorn had already been expanding their earlier Atom BASIC to include structured programming ideas. Especially on the later Archimedes computers, as memory limits eased, BBC BASIC added more structured programming features found in languages like ALGOL 60.

Besides Acorn's version of BBC BASIC on the Archimedes, other companies made compiled versions of the language. Even after Acorn Computers Ltd stopped making computers, development and support continued for newer ARM-based machines. Today, BBC BASIC is available on other platforms, either through emulators like on Microsoft Windows or running directly on the computer.

History

At Dartmouth College, two teachers wanted all students to learn programming. In 1964, they made a simple language called Dartmouth BASIC so anyone could use it easily. This language became very popular in the late 1960s and was the main language for 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 and fixing some issues.

BASIC III had versions for the UK and the US market, mainly changing how the colour command was spelled.

BASIC IV, also called CMOS BASIC, worked with new processor instructions and added several new features.

Acorn Archimedes (RISC OS)

Main article: RISC OS

When the computer switched to a new 32-bit processor, many new features were added to BBC BASIC. Version V included new commands for loops, conditions, and procedures, along with better graphics and sound support. Version VI added support for more precise numbers.

Other platforms

BBC BASIC was also made to work on many other computers and systems, including different processors and operating systems. Versions exist for calculators, Windows, and even web browsers, keeping many of the original features while adding new ones.

Sample code

This section shows some simple 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 easy to understand and shows basic commands that are fun to experiment with.