User Manual | ![]() |
Thank you for choosing picoBASIC Integer.
This language is a departure from standard development tools for handheld devices. In fact, it's not really a development tool at all. We don't expect people to write commercial applications in picoBASIC. The language lacks most of the graphical user interface tools, speed, and power for such a task. Also, it's an interpreted language, so the programs you write are open for anyone else to see.
Rather, this language is a tool for the end user. The same person who uses the Calendar, the Notepad, and the To Do list can use picoBASIC. It can be used to quickly create solutions to problems and needs of a special nature. Calculation, organization, 'what-if' testing, batch processing, simulation, and entertainment are only a few of the possibilities.
BASIC is a well established and easy to use language that many people have had some exposure to. It is very English-like and lacks strict rules of syntax. To create a variable in BASIC, you merely reference it, with something like A=7. To make decisions, you use a direct IF-THEN-ELSE statement. BASIC's simplicity has led to a long and successful life as a 'do-everything' language used by millions. The vast library of legacy programs written for the original personal computers 20+ years ago is testament to this.
This manual is not intended as an instructional work on programming in BASIC. There are many excellent books and tutorials, old and new on that subject. Instead, this reference only describes picoBASIC and the ways in which it is similar to and unlike other BASICs you may have used in the past. If you have not used BASIC before, have a look at the provided sample programs to get you started.
Although every attempt has been made to capture the look and feel of a legacy BASIC interpreter, there are a few things to keep in mind when running picoBASIC on a handheld device.
160x160 Screen
Most PalmOS® devices use variable-width characters. This means that there is no absolute screen positioning for characters as there is in most personal computers. The LOCATE statement uses an averaging formula to calculate screen position, and perfectly aligned columns are not easy to implement. However, the tiny 160x160 screen doesn't lend itself well to tabular data in any case, so this is not a major drawback.
No Keyboard
Many BASICs make extensive use of keyboard features such as the function keys, scroll control, a Break key, etc. None of these exist on a handheld pen computer. However, picoBASIC features automatic scrolling, causing scrolling to pause between screens. The down button can be used to manually scroll to the next screen. This is useful for long program listings, for example. To interrupt (Break out of) a running program, simply press any of the 'hard' keys at the bottom of the device, such as the Notepad button. Note that pressing one of these buttons while in direct (not running) mode will exit picoBASIC and start another application. For this reason, don't hold down a hard button to break out of a program, because you will exit picoBASIC entirely (perhaps without saving your work). An auto power-off event will also break out of any running program.
Many legacy BASICs used four or more special function keys (eg. F1-F10) to save the user having to type in common keywords such as LOAD, SAVE, LIST, etc. The PalmOS® offers similar functionality through its shortcuts facility in system preferences. Consult your handheld's user manual for instructions on how to use shortcuts.
Limited Support for Handheld Features
picoBASIC currently does not support special handheld hardware features such as pen input (other than graffiti), infrared beaming, RS-232 transfers (other than Hotsync®), color, and expanded memory.
©2002 Picodoc, Inc. All rights reserved.