Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!ulowell!m2c!wpi!ggray From: ggray@wpi.wpi.edu (Gary Gray) Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple Subject: Re: BASIC: Does ZBasic help? Message-ID: <1511@wpi.wpi.edu> Date: 25 Mar 89 01:12:08 GMT References: <545@madnix.UUCP> <27478@apple.Apple.COM> <16190@cup.portal.com> Reply-To: ggray@wpi.wpi.edu (Gary Gray) Organization: Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA. USA Lines: 52 In article <16190@cup.portal.com> Geva_Apple-Maniac_Patz@cup.portal.com writes: >Hi, > > >The only thing that seems remotely close to what I need is ZBASIC, although >I have VERY scant information on it. Can anyone tell me more about it, >or perhaps recommend another BASIC that would suit my needs? > >%%%% > Geva > %%%% Zbasic is an interactive basic compiler, that is, while writing programs it acts just like a normal basic interpreter, only it will compile your program and execute it when you ask to run. It comes in both Prodos and dos 3.3 (sold seperatly) The Prodos version supports either 64k or 128k memory models. In 128k mode, the code of the program resides in one 64k bank, and the variables are stored in the other. It has built in support for double-hires, and has its own character generator and scroll routines to allow text on the graphics screen. It has support for structured programming, such as labels, while, do-until, etc. looping statements. It comes with a screen editor, and in this mode it is possible to write programs without line numbers. The speed comparisons that they show on the back of the manual idicates that it beats Hyper C in sort/seieve (I generally take all such measurements with a grain of salt). The compiler acceptably fast in creating code. The only thing I don't like about it is the fact that its memory map is fixed; you have 8k worth of graphics screen whether you need it or not. Also, some of the included demo programs (with my copy) are bugged.... Finally, the manual is excellent in layout. It is a one-size-fits-all manual, which describes the language in the first half of the manual, and then suppiles an appendix for each machine for specifics. I believe you can order the compiler for other computers at a reduced rate if you already have the manual. The address of Zedcor (at least in the manual) is: 4500 East Speedway Blvd., Suite 22 Tuscon Arizona 85712-5305 order phone # 800- 482-4567 Note that Programs Plus sells the compiler as well. Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with Zedcor, bla bla bla Question, how do I get the Zbasic Newsletter? -- _____________________________________________________________________________ _ |"Don't care if they say we are a dyin' race / _ ar \/ ggray@wpi.bitnet | I'd rather be here than any other place \_| ra / ggray@wpi.wpi.edu | Keep on working, Keep on working" P.T.