Re: Learning to use the Apple II.

[Linards Ticmanis <ticmanis@coli.uni-sb.de>]

Ernest wrote:

> Some things I can intuitively understand and figure out but programming is
> not one of them. Give me something mechanical to fix and I have no problem
> but ask me to write a simple program in BASIC and my mind freezes up. Even
> so, I wish that I did know how to write programs so that I could enjoy these
> old computers more fully.

It's easy enough once you're past the basics. If you're still in the
state where when you look at a program, all you see is rows upon rows of
crazy characters, the way to go is to understand the basics of BASIC.

Like, what IS programming in the first place? What are the elements of
program lines, like line numbers, commands, and parameters? What are
variables? What is a test, what is a loop? How do you tell the Apple to
display stuff on the screen? How do you tell it to do simple calculations?

Always remember two things: 1.) there is no magic involved 2.) computers
are incredibly stupid, so they can't simply guess what you meant.

Once you know the answers to the above questions -- start reading short,
simple programs written by others. Try modifying them and see what
happens. Trial & error is the way to go for a beginning hobbyist
programmer. Leave the big theories for later.

-- 

Linards Ticmanis

 The Master said, "The business of laying on the colors follows the
preparation of the plain ground."