Information

This book can be used with both the BBC computer and the Acorn Electron computer. It will appeal to two categories of reader:

1. those teaching assembly language programming as part of a formal course on computer studies - and their students; 2. those owners of BBC or Acorn Electron computers who want to extend their knowledge beyond Basic into assembly language.

Learning to program in assembly language will give the reader an understanding of the internal workings of the computer, particularly the 6502 microprocessor. Some previous knowledge of Basic is required, to the extent of being able to write simple programs, to edit these programs and to load and save them using cassette tape or disk. Introducing BBC Basic by R. B. Coats deals with these topics at the appropriate level.

Assembly language concepts are introduced gradually. Each short unit of the text focusses on one aspect of assembly language programming and consists of explanatory text, test questions and practical exercises. These exercises are an essential component of the book, encouraging the reader to learn by trying things out on the computer.

A special program called Tracer has been developed by the author for use with this book. A copy of Tracer on cassette tape can be purchased from the publishers. Alternatively, the program can be typed into the computer from the listings given in the book.

First Sentence

This book may be used with both the BBC computer and the Acorn Electron computer.