FAQ's
I need links to Learn or Refresh my knowledge of Commodore 64 BASIC?
Find In App Online Help by using Direct Mode Command: HELP
Command Reference is written in three languages besides English:
Deutsch - Español - Italiano
Example Videos: Video 1
How to List available programs/ files?
Use Direct Mode Command: FILES
Example Videos: Video 1
How do I Load programs?
Simply use: LOAD "filename"
Quotes are required.
type RUN to actually run the file (program).
to see program type LIST.
Note that file name is case sensitive, so
"STARS.BAS"
"Stars.bas"
"stars.bas"
are different file names.
Example Videos: Video 1 Video 2
How do I Save program?
Simply use: SAVE "filename"
Quotes are required.
Note that file name is case sensitive
How do I Create program?
I'm trying to write a program but when I hit enter to make new line the code is executed immediately!?
Code that is not prefixed with a line number is considered direct mode command and will be
executed immediately.
To make a program in C64 BASIC, you provide a series of numbered lines that will be executed
sequentially.
for example:
10 PRINT "Hello there!"
20 PRINT "Bye!"
30 END
in order to execute the program, you type:
RUN
if you want to add a new line before line 10 for example to clear screen (CLS):
5 CLS
Now type RUN. Notice that the screen is cleared before printing.
If you type LIST the listed program will look like this:
5 CLS
10 PRINT "Hello there!"
20 PRINT "Bye!"
30 END
What is the easy way to update a line of code?
if the line of code is visible go to Step 2
Step 1) LIST the program or just a line e.g. LIST 100 or line range e.g. LIST 50-80
Step 2) move the cursor to the line
Step 3) update the line ( insert / remove text using virtual keyboard)
Step 4) click on enter while the cursor is still on the line
Step 5) if required, repeat the process for other lines
to make sure that the update has occurred, LIST the line(s)
How to remove line of code from program?
Type line number (alone) then hit enter.
How to edit the entire program?
Use the built in editor, command:
EDIT "filename"
Note: you can also edit text data files with edit command
Can I use copy and paste? How?
Yes, provided you hit enter on each pasted line, and of-course, the lines have the appropriate line numbers.
Steps:
1) Paste your code using usual way in iPhone platform
2) move the cursor to the first pasted line
3) hit enter, notice the cursor has moved to the next pasted line
4) keep hitting enter until you pass all pasted lines
that's it!
Other way:
1) edit the file of choice EDIT "filename"
2) paste code
3) save the file (hint: change line numbers if needed)
when you load the file you should be able to notice the new code
I want to import/export my BASIC files from/to desktop or laptop computer?
Use iTunes to import/export files (iTunes File sharing is enabled for this App)
How to lock Caps Key in order to insert capitalized code?
Double tap the Caps Key in order to lock it.
How to Delete a program?
Use Direct Mode Command KILL "filename"
File name is case sensitive
How to Stop running program?
Tap the "•" bullet key on the keyboard.
Where to find bullet key?
On iPhone/iPod Touch: tap "123" key, tap "#+=" key, bullet key appears at right side.
On iPad: tap ".?123" key, tap & hold "-" key, the bullet key pops.
Since v1.5.7 additional button will appear on the screen to break programs.
How to reset or Restart BASIC?
Tap "…” ellipsis key on the keyboard.
Where to find ellipsis key?
On iPhone / iPod Touch: tap "123" key, tap & hold "." key, the ellipsis key pops.
On iPad: tap ".?123" key, tap & hold "." key, the ellipsis key pops.
How to Clear the screen?
Use Command: CLS
also you can use: PRINT CHR$(147)
How do I read/write data from/to a file?
see included program: FILEIO.BAS
It demonstrates writing data to file then reading it back
How can I change Background Color, Foreground Color, or Font?
Use SET command as described in New Commands page.
Are Graphic characters supported?
No, only ASCII codes are supported ( No PETSCII codes ).
Why POKE does not make the expected behavior?
Kindly note this is a "Standalone BASIC" of C64, so any feature that depends on C64 hardware will not work.
Simply this is because BASIC is running on totally different hardware.
Please find useful commands for operating BASIC in New Commands page.
How to make my first graphics program?
Simplest graphics program has three parts:
1- Show the graphics screen
to show graphics screen use SCREEN 1
2- Make your drawings
invoke one or more drawing commands e.g. CIRCLE
3- Wait for some time in order to see the graphics before going back to text screen
(text screen is restored automatically when program ends)
you can for example use SLEEP command or make an infinite loop using GOTO command
Example:
10 SCREEN 1
20 CIRCLE 160, 200, 100, 1, 1
30 SLEEP 10000
(the program ends after 10 seconds)
you can replace line 30 with:
30 GOTO 30
(to stop the program the user has to tap on break button)
other choice will be using SLEEP and GOTO together
30 SLEEP 200 : GOTO 30
(to stop the program the user has to tap on break button)
final resort is waiting user to tap some key on virtual keyboard
30 GET K$
40 IF K$ = "" THEN 30
(of course you can mix methods as needed)
Note: sample programs demonstrate using these methods.
Are Cursor Movement commands supported?
No.
I want my program to launch automatically when I open cbmHandBASIC as if I'm running my own App?
To run a program automatically on App launch, name your program:
AUTORUN.BAS
or
autorun.bas
to stop the file from auto starting delete or rename the file name to something else.
to test it you can use EXITAPP to terminate BASIC. Then reopen/launch the App.
Still need more info?
If you need more info or you have a feature request, please to
Send email to hawwash [dot] soft [at] gmail [dot] com