Applesoft and GS BASIC (was Re: Where to find an AppleBasic Tutorial?)

[Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net>]

Mike Young writes ...
> 
> I'd like to code a bit in AppleBasic (or whatever Apple calls it on an
> Apple IIgs), but I'm really unfamiliar with the OS command set and
> mnemonics -- anyone know where I might be able to find an online
> AppleBasic tutorial?
>

     You can write Applesoft BASIC programs on the GS. The easiest way is 
to use Program Writer, an excellent BASIC Editor from Beagle. On a GS, 
you can launch the ProDOS version of Program Writer from the Finder (i.e. 
the desktop display). Another option is to boot a ProDOS diskette which 
includes Program Writer.

     Applesoft BASIC is the language built into all Apple II's since the 
II+. However, an Applesoft program need not be limited to II+ or IIe 
capabilities. You can write for-GS Applesoft programs which-- via PEEKs, 
POKEs, CALLs, and BLOADed machine code-- display super-res screens, play 
GS music, use colored Text-mode screens, use the GS mouse, etc..

     Someone may have produced an on-line Applesoft tutorial; I do not 
know. The best course is to just get the BASIC Programming Reference 
Manual, get a copy of the Beagle PEEKs & POKEs chart, get a ProDOS 
reference, find some BASIC game or utility you'd like to enhance, start 
up Program Writer, and start programming.


     Of course, one of the reasons for using a high-level language is to 
be 'hooked into' the computer's capabilities via relatively simple 
commands. There are no built-in Applesoft commands for reading the GS 
clock, opening a Window, defining a Text window in the super-res display, 
etc..

     GS BASIC was developed to allow users to take control of the GS's 
capabilities with minimum hassle. On a standard, non-accelerated machine, 
it is rather slow. This, along with slow development of GS/OS and high 
prices for Apple hard disks, probably explains why GS BASIC was never 
released. Some copies of the last beta version were posted to Apple 
BBS's; but, GS BASIC was not promoted by Apple or Apple II magazines, and 
was, largely, forgotten.

     Fortunately, a few months ago, Dr. Tom came across GS BASIC, said 
"Hey, this is a pretty neat language," and began asking questions and 
posting messages. In fact, on today's faster, bigger GS running a recent 
version of GS/OS, GS BASIC looks _much_ better than it did back in 1988. 
With some polishing to fit System 6, it would, for the first time, enable 
many users to create new super-res, super sound GS games and other 
programs.

     If you'd like to try GS BASIC, it should be available on one or more 
of the popular Apple2 ftp sites (like Ground, Apple2 Caltech, ...). 
 

Rubywand