Minimal BASIC: Difference between revisions
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'''Minimal BASIC''' is a very small subset of the [[BASIC]] language. It is specified in ECMA Standard 55, ANSI X3.60-1978 and others. It has a rigorous test suite (initially NBSIR 77-1420 from 1978) to ensure that vendors supplying computer systems to the US Federal government met compatibility guidelines. |
'''Minimal BASIC''' is a very small subset of the [[BASIC]] language. It is specified in [https://www.ecma-international.org/wp-content/uploads/ECMA-55_1st_edition_january_1978.pdf ECMA Standard 55], ANSI X3.60-1978 and others. It has a rigorous test suite (initially NBSIR 77-1420 from 1978) to ensure that vendors supplying computer systems to the US Federal government met compatibility guidelines. |
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The language is very limited: |
The language is very limited: |
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Revision as of 05:27, 14 October 2022
Minimal BASIC is a very small subset of the BASIC language. It is specified in ECMA Standard 55, ANSI X3.60-1978 and others. It has a rigorous test suite (initially NBSIR 77-1420 from 1978) to ensure that vendors supplying computer systems to the US Federal government met compatibility guidelines.
The language is very limited:
- line numbers are required
- no string manipulation commands
- all variables must be defined/modified using the LET keyword
- the only loop structure is FOR … TO … STEP …, with loop parameters fixed at entry
- all programs must end with an END statement.
Implementations:
- Microsoft BASIC 5.0 for 8080 (BASIC-80, MBASIC for CP/M - 1981) claims compliance in its manual.
- bas55
- John's ECMA-55 Minimal BASIC Compiler
Compare with Full BASIC.