Contents

Chapter 1

Introduction
A guide to the ZX Spectrum keyboard and a description of the display.

Chapter 2

Basic programming concepts
Programs, line numbers, editing programs using and , RUN, LIST, GO TO, CONTINUE, INPUT, NEW, REM, PRINT, STOP in INPUT data, ESC (BREAK)

Chapter 3

Decisions
IF, STOP, =, <, >, <=, >=, <>

Chapter 4

Looping
FOR, NEXT, TO, STEP. Introducing FOR-NEXT loops

Chapter 5

Subroutines
GO SUB, RETURN

Chapter 6

READ, DATA, RESTORE

Chapter 7

Expressions
Mathematical expressions using +, -, *, /, scientific notation and variable names.

Chapter 8

Strings
Handling strings and slicing.

Chapter 9

Functions
User-definable functions and others readily available on the ZX Spectrum using DEF, LEN, STR$, VAL, SGN, ABS, INT, SQR, FN

Chapter 10

Mathematical functions
Including simple trigonometry: ↑, PI, EXP, LN, SIN, COS, TAN, ASN, ACS, ATN

Chapter 11

Random numbers
Using RANDOMIZE and RND.

Chapter 12

Arrays
Strings and numeric arrays - DIM.

Chapter 13

Conditions
Logical expressions: AND, OR, NOT.

Chapter 14

The character set
A look at the ZX character set including graphics and how to construct your own graphic characters: CODE, CHR$, POKE, PEEK, USR, BIN

Chapter 15

More about PRINT and INPUT
Some more complicated uses of these commands using separators: ,;', TAB, AT, LINE and CLS.

Chapter 16

Colours
INK, PAPER, FLASH, BRIGHT, INVERSE, OVER, BORDER

Chapter 17

Graphics
PLOT, DRAW, CIRCLE, POINT

Chapter 18

Motion
Animated graphics using PAUSE, INKEY$ and PEEK

Chapter 19

BEEP
The sound capabilities of the ZX Spectrum using BEEP.

Chapter 20

File Storage
How to store your programs on cassette tape: SAVE, LOAD, VERIFY, MERGE.

Chapter 21

The ZX Printer
LLIST, LPRINT, COPY

Chapter 22

Other equipment
Connecting the ZX Spectrum to other machines and devices.

Chapter 23

IN and OUT
Input/output ports and their uses: IN, OUT

Chapter 24

The memory
A look at the internal workings of the ZX Spectrum: CLEAR

Chapter 25

The system variables

Chapter 26

Using machine code
Introducing USR with a numeric argument

Appendix A

The character set

Appendix B

Reports

Appendix C

A description of the ZX Spectrum for reference
The BASIC

Appendix D

Example programs

Appendix E

Binary and hexadecimal