Commodore Plus 4 - Page 9

Preface vii
Graphics commands are given additional coverage in Chapter 4, Programming
Graphics. Commands for controlling peripherals are also discussed in Chapter 6,
Using Peripheral Devices. Chapter 3, Some Programming Techniques, also
provides more information on BASIC commands.
The commands for use in the built-in programs are explained in Chapter 2, The
Built-in Software. Chapter 2 is divided into four sections: word processor com
mands, commands for formatting printed output, spreadsheet commands
(including commands for controlling the graph generator), and file manager
commands. Within each section, commands are explained in alphabetical order.
Examples are given where appropriate.
Chapter 3, Some Programming Techniques, is a collection of sections on
diverse programming topics. Both BASIC and machine-language programming
techniques are discussed. Sections include coverage of the following topics:
Editing the screen
Using the Escape key screen-editing functions
Using screen windows
Using text strings
Redefining the function keys
Using mathematical functions
Programming sound and music
Using arrays
Error handling
Chapter 4, Programming Graphics, explains the operations of the graphics
modes in both BASIC and machine language. Color and screen control, drawing
commands, and animation are among the topics discussed in this chapter. Many
example programs are also provided.
Chapter 5, Machine Language on the Commodore Plus/4, explains the use of
the built-in monitor commands and the application of 6502 machine-language
programming on the Plus/4. This chapter does not teach machine language, but
it does review the instruction set and describe the operating system for machine
language programmers of all levels.
Chapter 6, Using Peripheral Devices, describes the operations of the disk drive,
cassette recorder, printers, modem, and joystick in BASIC and machine lan
guage. Each peripheral, and the commands that control it, is explained in a
separate section. Particular attention is given to disk-handling operations. Disk
operating system (DOS) error messages are explained in Appendix A.
The appendixes are provided to explain additional technical information and
to provide quick reference material. The six appendixes cover error messages for