El Amstrad PCW es una bestia del sistema operativo CP/M y puede ejecutar cualquier número de versión de Mallard Basic, pero este libro está dirigido a los novatos que quieren aprender este lenguaje indígena.

El libro comienza explicando la mejor manera de configurar la computadora. A continuación obtenemos una breve historia general de los lenguajes de computación y de Basic en particular, seguida de una explicación de los compiladores e intérpretes, todo un buen material para que comiencen los principiantes.

Este libro impreso con tapas de cartón blando a color y las hojas interiores en papel normal en blanco y negro cuyas medidas son; Alto 22,30 cm x Ancho 15,30 cm.

PREFACE

CHAPTER 1

  - Setting up
  - Programming languages
  - Compilers and Interpreters
  - Principles of programming
  - Disc actions from BASIC

CHAPTER 2

  - Printing
  - Eows and columns
  - Planning your printing

CHAPTER 3

  - Exotic variations
  - Strings and things
  - String section
  - What goes in
  - Reading the data
  - Single key reply
  - Automatic definition

CHAPTER 4

  - Working with numbers
  - Operators
  - Translating formulae
  - Functions
  - Precision of numbers
  - Real numbers
  - Double precision
  - Number rounddup
  - Defined functions

CHAPTER 5

  - Getting repetitive
  - Loops and decisions
  - And if not, then what?
  - Breakout
  - While you Wend
  - Last pass

CHAPTER 6

  - Strings and Things
  - String functions
  - Len in action
  - STR$ and VAL
  - A slice in time
  - All right Jack?
  - Middling along
  - Inside, Upstairs and Downstairs
  - More priceless characters
  - Restoration comedy
  - The aw about order

CHAPTER 7

  - Complex data
  - Put it on the list
  - Manipulating arrays
  - Rows and columns

CHAPTER 8

  - Menus, subroutines and programs
  - Sectional programming
  - Your own show
  - Put it on paper
  - Foundation stones
  - Designing the subroutines
  - Play it once at least, Sam
  - Details, details

CHAPTER 9

  - BASIC filing techniques
  - What is a file?
  - Knowing the names
  - Disc filing
  - Serial filing
  - Opening the file
  - Printing to the file
  - Getting your own back
  - Updating the file
  - Changing a record
  - How it works

CHAPTER 10

  - Random access filing
  - Random access commands
  - Padding
  - An integer file
  - JETSAM files
  - JETSAM file facts
  - JETSAM rules
  - The Library file
  - Filing with JETSAM
  - Adding data
  - Listing the records
  - Pick, Change, Delete

CHAPTER 11

  - Last roundup
  - Merge and Chain
  - Print fielding
  - Money amounts
  - Print positioning and windows
  - Error trapping

APPENDIX A

  - A self-starting disc

APPENDIX B

  - The CLS key

APPENDIX C

  - The OPTION commands

APPENDIX D

  - Editing and commands

APPENDIX E

  - The slashed zero and the hashmark

APPENDIX F

  - Boolean actions

APPENDIX G

  - Items omitted