AmstradCPC6128-hypertext-en-Sinewalker

Part 6: Let's Compute ....
So far, we know what we must and mustn't do with the computer, and how to set it up
and connect peripherals. We know what some of the keys on the computer do, and how
to load software. Now we'll look at some of the instructions that you can type in to
make things happen ....
Like you or I, the computer can only understand instructions in a language that it
knows, and that language is called BASIC, (short for Beginners' All-purpose
Symbolic Instruction Code). The words in BASIC's vocabulary are called 'keywords'
and each ofthem tell the computer to perform a specific function. All languages must
conform to the rules of grammar, and BASIC is no exception. Here, grammar is
referred to as 'Syntax', and the computer will always be kind enough to tell you if
you've made a S y n t a x err 0 r !
An introduction to AMSTRAD BASIC keywords
In the chapter entitled 'Complete list of AMSTRAD CPC6128 BASIC keywords', you
will find a description of all the keywords found in AMSTRAD BASIC. We will
introduce some of the more commonly used BASIC keywords in this section.
CLS
To clear the screen, type in:
c L s [RETURN]
You will notice that the screen clears and the word Rea d y with the cursor. will
appear at the top left of the screen.
Note that you can use upper case (CAPITAL) or lower case (small) letters to enter any
BASIC keyword into the computer.
PRINT
This is used whenever you want characters, words or figures in a program to be
printed. Type in the following instruction line:
p r i n t "h eLL 0 " [RETURN]
Chapter 1 Page 22 Foundation Course