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Mastering The Electron - Simon & John Matthews

This new book will answer many essential questions for newcomers to the Electron microcomputer, showing them not only how to persuade the machine to do what it is asked, but how to do so in a sensible and readable way. The language, graphics, sound, and other features of the Electron are highlighted and covered in a clear, concise manner.

The authors describe BBC BASIC, the language used by the Electron, and how it differs from other dialects of BASIC. They explain not only the commands of the language, but also the data structures with which it works. An important chapter on structured programming deals with some of the problems of BBC BASIC when compared with fully structured programming languages. Tips are given on debugging and sorting out error messages, and several major programs (a game, a music synthesiser, a character-design program) are included.

Machine code is thoroughly investigated in terms of registers, system architecture, 6502 processor architecture, the environment, and representation of data; and is detailed in a further chapter with discusses processor considerations, the full range of instructions, and how to apply structured programming techniques in machine code. Advanced machine code topics include parameter lists from BASIC, the USR call, machine code procedures, top-down decomposition of a problem, and finding your way around Electron BASIC, each topic accompanied by an example.

Last, for those keen to use the Electron's interfacing facility, details will be given of an interface which can be used for printers, joysticks and the like.

Readership: All teachers and pupils of computing in schools, and all those who have access to an Electron microcomputer.

From John Wiley and Sons
Chichester, New York, Brisbane, Toronto, Singapore

First Sentence

For many people the word 'micros' is still one of those dimly recognised words living somewhere at the back of the vocabulary.