Part
6:
Let's Compute ....
So
far, we know
what
we
must
and
mustn't
do
with
the
computer, and how to
set
it
up
and connect peripherals.
We
know
what
some of
the
keys on
the
computer
do,
and how
to load software. Now we'll look
at
some of
the
instructions
that
you can type
in
to
make
things happen ....
Like you or
I,
the
computer can only
understand
instructions
in
a language
that
it
knows,
and
that
language
is called BASIC, (short for Beginners' All-purpose
Symbolic Instruction Code). The words
in
BASIC's vocabulary
are
called 'keywords'
and
each
ofthem
tell
the
computer to perform a specific function. All languages
must
conform to
the
rules of
grammar,
and
BASIC is no exception. Here,
grammar
is
referred to as 'Syntax', and
the
computer will always be kind enough to tell you
if
you've made a S y n t a x
err
0 r !
An introduction
to
AMSTRAD
BASIC
keywords
In
the
chapter entitled 'Complete
list
of AMSTRAD CPC6128 BASIC keywords', you
will find a description of all
the
keywords found
in
AMSTRAD BASIC. We will
introduce some of
the
more commonly used BASIC keywords
in
this section.
CLS
To
clear
the
screen, type in:
c L s
[RETURN]
You will notice
that
the
screen clears
and
the
word Rea d y with
the
cursor.
will
appear
at
the
top left of
the
screen.
Note
that
you can use upper case (CAPITAL) or lower case (small) letters to
enter
any
BASIC keyword into
the
computer.
PRINT
This is used whenever you
want
characters, words or figures
in
a program to be
printed. Type
in
the
following instruction line:
p r i n t
"h
eLL 0 "
[RETURN]
Chapter 1 Page
22
Foundation Course
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