Developer(s) | Mike Leaman |
---|---|
Initial release | 1984 |
Stable release | YSMegaBasicV4.0
/ 1985 |
Operating system | ZX Spectrum |
Type | BASIC programming language interpreter |
License | Proprietary |
YS MegaBasic is a BASIC programming language interpreter for the 1982 Sinclair Research ZX Spectrum microcomputer, written by Mike Leaman.[1][2] The interpreter was available by mail-order from Your Spectrum magazine, hence the name "YS MegaBasic".
When loaded it left the user 22K of usable memory. YS MegaBasic allowed keywords to be spelled out letter-for-letter, which was quicker if the user had fitted a full-size full-travel keyboard to their machine, a very popular modification for serious users. This also removed the necessity for memorising the sometimes arcane key combinations necessary to enter less-commonly-used Sinclair BASIC keywords. It also featured three different font sizes, user definable keys, copy-and-paste, a Sinclair QL-like windowing system, sprites and sound effects.[1]
New commands added by YS MegaBasic:[1]
AUTO | Causes the computer to automatically produce line numbers |
BACKUP | Copies tape files |
CHANGE | Manipulates the attributes file |
CLW | Clears the current window on-screen |
CURRENT | Changes the window used for screen output |
DELETE | Erases a block of program lines |
DOWN | Prints a string down the screen |
EDIT | Displays a program line for editing |
EXAMINE | Displays headers of tape files |
FADE | Produces special effects on-screen |
FONT | Selects the character set used for printing |
FX | Handles miscellaneous functions |
INVERT | Changes INK to PAPER and vice versa |
KEY | Creates user-defined keys |
MODE | Changes the current character size |
MON | Jumps to front panel |
PAN | Scrolls a window to the left or right, pixel by pixel |
PLAY | Produces complex sound effects |
RESTART | Equivalent to ON ERROR GO TO |
SPEED | Used in conjunction with TRON to reduce the speed of program execution |
SWAP | Swaps one attribute for another |
TROFF | Turns 'trace' mechanism off |
TRON | Turns 'trace' mechanism on |
VDU | Equivalent to PRINT CHR$ |
WINDOW | Defines the size and location of the current window on-screen |
- YSMegaBasic V1.0 - 1984
- YSMegaBasic V1.1 - 1984
- YSMegaBasic V1.1 Sprite Designer - 1984
- YSMegaBasic V3.0 - 1985
- YSMegaBasic V4.0 - 1985
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Your Spectrum:YS MegaBasic, Issue 8, October 1984
- ^ YS MegaBasic at SpectrumComputing.co.uk
- ^ "World of Spectrum - YS MegaBasic".