Introduction

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Introduction

Finally, the time has come: You are looking at the new Omikron Basic 6 for Power Macintosh computers. It is ready and rearing to go!

This manual should help you to achieve optimal use of your computer and the new Omikron Basic. Of course, it does not replace a BASIC textbook and a certain basic and general knowledge about the use and handling of computers is assumed.
BASIC is still a very popular programming language since the programs themselves read almost as if they are a shortened version of regular English. This means that on the one hand, Omikron BASIC is therefore easily learned, and on the other hand no real limits are imposed on advanced users at the same time. Many of the commands implemented in Omikron Basic exceed the BASIC standard by far. In addition, it is possible to utilize the MacOS with its thousands of functions directly. The various libraries complement the command set to be used for special applications in all areas from science and technology.
Omikron Basic creates a highly optimized and compact PowerPC code that does not lag behind the execution speed of other programming languages, quite often it even surpasses it.

The manual has been organized into several chapters, which should be viewed sequentially.

Chapter 1 is first concerned with the installation of the software, followed by a list comparing the differences to the Atari version. If programs have been previously developed on Atari computers using Omikron Basic, this chapter will be important, providing valuable hints and tips on how to adjust older programs to Omikron Basic 6. Otherwise, this chapter can be skipped.

Chapters 2 and 3 describe the use of the editor. Those users, who are already familiar with Omikron Basic 5, will have no trouble finding their way around. Newcomers, however, should not encounter any problems either due to the graphical interface.

Chapter 4 contains general information about data types, operators, and syntax agreements. This knowledge is required unconditionally in order to be able to understand the detailed command descriptions in the next chapter.

Chapter 5 is the most extensive part of the manual. All Omikron Basic commands, functions, and operators are described in detail. This chapter is also quite suitable to be used as a reference text since the individual BASIC commands are arranged alphabetically.

Chapter 6 contains a list of Omikron Basic's error messages and error messages of the compiler and the MacOS.

Chapter 7 consists of additional information about fonts, fill patterns, the keyboard code, and other characteristics of the MacOS.

Chapter 8, then finally lists and describes all of those functions of the Extension Library, which constitute a command extension for Omikron Basic 6.

Chapter 9 gives a brief overview of the other libraries available for Omikron Basic.

Chapter 10 describes how to use the integrated Library Maker.

The sample programs in the folder DEMO are also very helpful. They illustrate different perspectives of programming with Omikron Basic. Once the use of the editor and command set has become familiar, the programmer should try to modify, enhance, or improve these sample programs.

We now wish any novice as well as any expert programmer the best of luck and lots of fun and success with our new Omikron Basic 6 for PowerMac.

Hankensbüttel, June, 98
Your Omikron Basic Team