hfjmf@hogpd.UUCP (J.FARBER) (01/12/84)
Re: High level language for C64 COMAL is a 'real' programming language for the C64. It provides functions and procedures, local and global variables, a full set of control constructs, a fair amount of syntax checking on input, good string manipulation commands, program editing commands and a very good set of disk commands. It is noticeably faster than Commodore basic. The C64 version also includes a full set of graphics commands, including almost all standard logo 'turtle' graphics, and more. There are also a number of builtin commands for managing sprites and for sound. Many of the command names and features are similar to those in BASIC, but COMAL is much more powerful and much easier to use. It is easy to learn if you know BASIC, and especially so if you know C or Pascal. COMAL was developed in Denmark, and seems to be well known in Europe. C64 COMAL is compatible with the official COMAL standard. A version for the C64 is available on disk for $19.95 from: COMAL User's Group 5501 Groveland Terrace Madison, WI 53716 (Specify that it is for the 64 --- there are also versions for other CBMs) COMAL is in the public domain. The disk is unprotected. There is also a good manual, with lots of useful examples including a set of utility procedures. It's available from the same source [$18.95], or from Prentice Hall or Reston publishers. All orders require $2.00 for shipping/handling. NOTE: This is not a complete version of the language. A 'full' implementation is promised on ROM in the spring. The ROM is expected to sell for about $100. The current version leaves about 10K of free disk space --- the ROM version should leave about 48 K.