I know you are interested in programming and using PIC microcontrollers. If not, you would not have picked up this book and be reading this preface. The first question one usually asks when choosing one book over another is, "Which book offers me something more?" Since everyone is looking for some thing a little different in a book, I can't address anything specific, but to help you make your decision I can state what I feel are the highlights of this book.

The PICBasic compiler used throughout this book allows ease of using Basic language coupled with the speed of assembly language. Basic is a user-friendly language, it is easier to learn and master than either assembly or С language. When the basic code is compiled to its assembly language equivalents, it is 20 to 100 times faster than standard Basic code, effectively countering the speed advantages С or assembly languages typically offer. The compiled Basic code (assembly language equivalent) is programmed into the PIC microcontroller. As stated, this methodology increases the code execution 20 to 100 times faster than the equivalent interpreted Basic code that is used in other microcontroller systems like the Basic Stamp™.