| When the 1st Edition of The BASIC Handbook was released in 1978. I was pleasantly overwhelmed by the response. It is with great pleasure (and a bit of modest pride) that I offer this greatly expanded and revised 2nd Edition.
The BASIC language has changed in many ways since 1978. With each new computer came new words, and with each new word the need to update. Relying on what I believe is the most extensive BASIC language library in the world, plus assistance from many manufacturers, I've attempted to document and explain virtually every BASIC feature of virtually every computer in the world.
In this 2nd Edition, special attention was given to new computers introduced (and about to be introduced) from Europe and Asia. In addition to filling gaps in the 1st Edition, a strong effort was made to continue documenting "disk BASIC", that misunderstood enigma which frustrates so many users. Since there are no standards for "disk BASIC", only common concepts, documentation follows the few identifiable trends.
Many kind readers offered suggestions for changes in format which they felt would increase The Handbook's usefulness. Many of those suggestions are incorporated, and to the correspondents I say "Thank You".
To fellow computer students of all ages, in all places, and at all levels of proficiency, I wish you the best in your BASIC programming endeavors. May The BASIC Handbook be your guide to success. |