Introduction
Welcome to NS Basic/App Studio. NS Basic/App Studio is designed to be an easy to use WebKit based implemention of BASIC. It is a simple yet powerful language that can be used to write programs for almost any application.
There is a file named Readme.htm included with the release which contains late-breaking information about NS Basic/App Studio, including updates to the Handbook. Please read it before installing NS Basic/App Studio.
If you'd like to get started using NS Basic/App Studio right away, then read the Installation section, and then turn to the Getting Started With NS Basic/App Studio chapter.
Sample programs are provided with NS Basic/App Studio for you to study and use. You can tailor these sample programs to your particular needs. The installer will put these examples in a folder titled "BASIC Samples" in the target installation folder.
You should be somewhat familiar with the basics of operating your target device before you start using this Handbook.
A basic understanding of operating a desktop computer (Windows XP/Vista/7) is needed to install the NS Basic/App Studio software.
1.1 What is BASIC?
The original version of BASIC was created at Dartmouth in 1964. Since then, hundreds of interpreters and compilers for BASIC have been developed, and a mountain of application code has been written. Many books continue to be published about the language. BASIC Special Interest Groups exist in a number of forms.
BASIC is somehow good for the soul. As new waves of languages come and go, BASIC still runs almost everywhere: without standards, it adapts to new environments easily and keeps pace with the fancy new languages. The ones that come and go.
Everyone, even Bill Gates, started with BASIC. Somehow, we all keep coming home to it over and over again. It's still the best language for quick programs and simple applications. BASIC implementations, especially simple ones, can have great charm.
The computer hardware that BASIC is programmed on has turned full circle since the days it was developed. The powerful language to which only the computer scientists and mainframe programmers had access to can now be run on a hand held device.
1.1.1 NS Basic/App Studio
NS Basic/App Studio is a real programming language. It implements all the commonly used BASIC statements in a straightforward manner, and has a number of powerful extensions.
NS Basic Corporation maintains a web page at http://www.nsbasic.com. Use your Web browser to check this site for important announcements, technical information, and sample NS Basic/App Studio programs.
1.1.2 NS Basic/App Studio and Handheld Devices
When you bought your device, you probably thought that you'd be able to replace many of your paper-and-pencil tasks with it. You probably also hoped it would be able to function as a small programmable computer. NS Basic/App Studio has been designed for this purpose. Using it, you'll be able to create the applications you need, in a language that is easy to use.
NS Basic/App Studio can also be used for general purpose programming. Any program that can be written in BASIC can be written in NS Basic/App Studio. You can create customized databases, perform complex calculations, or even write games. What sets NS Basic/App Studio apart is its accessibility. You don't need to learn a complex new language just to take advantage of the powerful features built into your device.
1.2 System Requirements
In order to install NS Basic/App Studio you will need a compatible device and a desktop computer running Windows XP, Vista or 7. Check the Readme.htm file included with your product for specific information on devices supported and software required.
1.3 Installation
NS Basic/App Studio comes with a simple installer which includes all needed components. Check the Readme.htm file included with your product for installation instructions.
You should also pay a visit to our website, where we post the latest news on NS Basic/App Studio. Check the Release Notes for updates, the Tech Notes section under the Help menu for the latest info, and our blog for the latest tips.
Our website is http://www.nsbasic.com.
1.3.1 Entering Your Serial Number
Before you will be able to use NS Basic/App Studio, you will have to enter your serial number. On your desktop, use Register under the Help menu. Your serial number is sent to you after you order. Check the Readme.htm file for additional information on installation.