Creative Programming in Mic
PSS ID Number: Q11932
Article last modified on 10-13-1986
PSS database name: PRESS






CREATIVE PROGRAMMING IN MICROSOFT BASIC
by Steve Lambert
Price $18.95  Pages: 560
ISBN: 0-914845-57-8
Pub. Date: December 2, 1985

Learn Effective Programming Techniques for the Apple Macintosh in
CREATIVE PROGRAMMING in MICROSOFT BASIC
   For nearly two years now, Microsoft BASIC has been the best-selling
programming language for the Apple Macintosh.  Customized to take advantage of
the Mac's pull-down menus, windows, graphics, and multi-voice sound-generation
capabilities, BASIC presents a rich variety of tools for programming
enthusiasts.  This December, Microsoft Press will publish CREATIVE PROGRAMMING
IN MICROSOFT BASIC, a guide to developing efficient programs for optimal
performance on the Apple Macintosh.  This latest addition to the Microsoft
Press MacBook library is written by Steve Lambert, author of PRESENTATION
GRAPHICS ON THE APPLE MACINTOSH, and ONLINE: A Guide to America's Leading
Information Services.
   CREATIVE PROGRAMMING IN MICROSOFT BASIC is written for intermediate-level
programmers who are proficient with BASIC on other machines.  The book takes
an example-driven approach to help readers understand how BASIC commands can
be used to create useful programs in a variety of areas, from graphics and
communications, to games and data acquisition and control.
   CREATIVE PROGRAMMING IN MICROSOFT BASIC begins with a discussion of the
fundamentals of programming for this graphically-based computer.  Lambert
examines how to activate pixel locations, move graphics from one application
to a BASIC program, and how to generate a pattern.  In each case, he provides
clever programs to illustrate his explanations.
   Next, the author explores the world of communications.  After a brief tour
of the Mac's communications capabilities, Lambert focuses on a terminal
emulator program to teach several BASIC commands that are unique to the
Macintosh.  In addition, he gives a tour of the various information services
available via modem, and offers techniques to help individuals tailor the
terminal emulator program to their own needs.
   One of the most interesting - and useful - programs in CREATIVE PROGRAMMING
IN MICROSOFT BASIC is in the area of data acquisition and control.  This
section includes plans for building and operating a low-cost analog-to-digital
converter (a $600 value available for only $75 worth of materials).  This
device allows any computer to measure and control a variety of conditions such
as light, voltage, and wind-speed.  Lambert also offers a BASIC program that
will allow the Macintosh to measure voltage, and then display this information
numerically on the screen.  Design specifications, schematics and assembly
instructions for the converter are provided.
   Clever games include a variation of the classic shell game, and a
backgammon game for two players.  In each, Lambert demonstrates how to create
a challenging game that utilizes the Mac's superior graphics capability.
   Steve Lambert's fascination with personal computers has led him to
investigate many of their practical uses.  He demonstrated how to create
dazzling charts in PRESENTATION GRAPHICS ON THE APPLE MACINTOSH, and explored
online information services in ONLINE: A Guide to America's Leading
Information Services.  His next book is PRESENTATION GRAPHICS ON THE IBM PC,
which will be published in January 1986 by Microsoft Press.  In addition, he
has contributed articles to high Technology, Computing for Business/Interface
Age, Macworld, Time-Life Access, and PC World magazines.
   Microsoft Corporation, based in Bellevue, Washington, develops and sells a
wide range of operating systems, languages, applications programs, and
hardware products, as well as books, for the microcomputer marketplace.

Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1986.