Overview
This manual serves as an introduction to the "Basic BASIC: An Introduction to Computer Programming in BASIC Language" book. It provides an overview of the book's content, its structure, and what readers can expect to learn. The book is designed for individuals new to computer programming, offering a foundational understanding of the BASIC language.
Figure 1: Front cover of the "Basic BASIC" book. This image displays the title, author, and a sample BASIC program demonstrating a coin flip simulation, illustrating the practical examples found within the book.
Core Concepts and Structure
The book is structured to guide readers through the fundamentals of BASIC programming, progressing to more complex topics. Each chapter builds upon previous knowledge, ensuring a clear learning path.
Programming Fundamentals
This section introduces the basic syntax of the BASIC language, including variables, data types, input/output operations, and fundamental arithmetic expressions. It lays the groundwork for writing simple programs.
Control Flow and Logic
Readers will learn about conditional statements (IF-THEN-ELSE) and looping constructs (FOR-NEXT, WHILE-WEND) essential for creating programs that make decisions and perform repetitive tasks. The book provides numerous examples to illustrate these concepts.
Data Structures and Algorithms
The book delves into more advanced topics such as arrays, matrices, and subroutines. It also covers practical algorithms for various applications, including mathematical computations like trigonometry and probability, as well as data manipulation.
Figure 2: An interior page from Chapter 9, focusing on Trigonometry. This demonstrates the book's application of BASIC to solve mathematical problems, providing practical examples and formulas.
Figure 3: An interior page displaying BASIC code for matrix operations. This section illustrates how the book teaches complex data handling and mathematical computations using the BASIC language.
Practical Application and Exercises
Throughout the book, readers will find numerous programming examples and exercises designed to reinforce learning. These practical applications help solidify understanding and encourage hands-on coding experience.
- Example Programs: Ready-to-run BASIC code snippets illustrating concepts.
- Problem Sets: Exercises at the end of sections or chapters to test comprehension.
- Real-world Scenarios: Applications of BASIC to solve practical problems, from simple calculations to more complex simulations.
Specifications
| Title | Basic BASIC: An introduction to computer programming in BASIC language |
| Author | James S. Coan |
| Publisher | Hayden |
| Publication Date | January 1, 1978 |
| Edition | 2nd Edition |
| Language | English |
| Print Length | 288 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0810451069 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0810451063 |
| Item Weight | 14.2 ounces |
| Dimensions | 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches |
Figure 4: Side view of the "Basic BASIC" book, illustrating its physical dimensions and page count.
Support and Further Reading
For inquiries regarding the content of this book or for potential errata, please refer to the publisher's official contact information. While this book provides a solid foundation in BASIC, continuous learning is encouraged through further exploration of programming languages and concepts.
The author, James S. Coan, has also written "Advanced BASIC," which serves as an excellent companion volume for those wishing to extend their knowledge beyond the scope of this introductory text.
