Microsoft KB Archive/11932

Creative Programming in Mic PSS ID Number: Q11932 Article last modified on 10-13-1986 PSS database name: PRESS

CREATIVE PROGRAMMING IN MICROSOFT BASIC by Steve Lambert Price $18.95 Pages: 560 ISBN: 0-914845-57-8 Pub. Date: December 2, 1985

Learn Effective Programming Techniques for the Apple Macintosh in CREATIVE PROGRAMMING in MICROSOFT BASIC For nearly two years now, Microsoft BASIC has been the best-selling programming language for the Apple Macintosh. Customized to take advantage of the Mac’s pull-down menus, windows, graphics, and multi-voice sound-generation capabilities, BASIC presents a rich variety of tools for programming enthusiasts. This December, Microsoft Press will publish CREATIVE PROGRAMMING IN MICROSOFT BASIC, a guide to developing efficient programs for optimal performance on the Apple Macintosh. This latest addition to the Microsoft Press MacBook library is written by Steve Lambert, author of PRESENTATION GRAPHICS ON THE APPLE MACINTOSH, and ONLINE: A Guide to America’s Leading Information Services. CREATIVE PROGRAMMING IN MICROSOFT BASIC is written for intermediate-level programmers who are proficient with BASIC on other machines. The book takes an example-driven approach to help readers understand how BASIC commands can be used to create useful programs in a variety of areas, from graphics and communications, to games and data acquisition and control. CREATIVE PROGRAMMING IN MICROSOFT BASIC begins with a discussion of the fundamentals of programming for this graphically-based computer. Lambert examines how to activate pixel locations, move graphics from one application to a BASIC program, and how to generate a pattern. In each case, he provides clever programs to illustrate his explanations. Next, the author explores the world of communications. After a brief tour of the Mac’s communications capabilities, Lambert focuses on a terminal emulator program to teach several BASIC commands that are unique to the Macintosh. In addition, he gives a tour of the various information services available via modem, and offers techniques to help individuals tailor the terminal emulator program to their own needs. One of the most interesting - and useful - programs in CREATIVE PROGRAMMING IN MICROSOFT BASIC is in the area of data acquisition and control. This section includes plans for building and operating a low-cost analog-to-digital converter (a $600 value available for only $75 worth of materials). This device allows any computer to measure and control a variety of conditions such as light, voltage, and wind-speed. Lambert also offers a BASIC program that will allow the Macintosh to measure voltage, and then display this information numerically on the screen. Design specifications, schematics and assembly instructions for the converter are provided. Clever games include a variation of the classic shell game, and a backgammon game for two players. In each, Lambert demonstrates how to create a challenging game that utilizes the Mac’s superior graphics capability. Steve Lambert’s fascination with personal computers has led him to investigate many of their practical uses. He demonstrated how to create dazzling charts in PRESENTATION GRAPHICS ON THE APPLE MACINTOSH, and explored online information services in ONLINE: A Guide to America’s Leading Information Services. His next book is PRESENTATION GRAPHICS ON THE IBM PC, which will be published in January 1986 by Microsoft Press. In addition, he has contributed articles to high Technology, Computing for Business/Interface Age, Macworld, Time-Life Access, and PC World magazines. Microsoft Corporation, based in Bellevue, Washington, develops and sells a wide range of operating systems, languages, applications programs, and hardware products, as well as books, for the microcomputer marketplace.

Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1986.