Learning Timex Sinclair BASIC

Personal Computer News

Trevor Jones

'Learning Timex Sinclair Basic' by David A Lien, published by Compusoft at $14.95 (paperback, 331 pages). The fact that there seems to be a plethora of books for the Sinclair ZX81 purporting to teach the raw user the ins and outs of Basic programming could be attributed to either the desperate interest of the ZX81 owner, or the shortcomings of the machine's users' guide. Perhaps it's a combination of the two, but it would be nice if Sinclair's ZX81 manual was as lucid as Learning Timex Sinclair Basic. The book is aimed at the beginner with no computer knowledge or training in Basic. There are eight chapters, starting with one on how to get started, and then the reader is introduced gently to maths operators, relationalship operators, FOR ... NEXT loops, and how to use the cassette tape recorder. In chapter 3 it's strings, then onto maths function in chapter 5. All the basic topics such as graphics, arrays, PEEK and POKE are covered. The chapters are well laid out with big clear print. Listings are printed unusually large. Each point is clearly explained and used in a program on the computer. Most chapters have exercises to test your newly acquired knowledge and conclude with a list of the new commands. The book has a light, conversational style which should make learning fun. Learning Timex/Sinclair Basic is ideal as a self-teaching aid and would be equally useful at home, in the classroom or on a training program. There's no law that I know of that says a book dealing with a cheap computer must be downmarket itself. I particularly liked the inclusion of a cartoon to wrap up each chapter. This care and attention to detail in a book for the ZX81 makes a nice change.