Preface
In this manual, every use of the word BASIC refers to both
DEC BASIC and VAX BASIC software.
This manual describes how to develop and use BASIC
programs on OpenVMS systems and describes BASIC
language features.
Intended Audience
This manual is intended for programers who compile, link,
and execute BASIC programs on OpenVMS systems. Users
should have a working knowledge of BASIC or another
high-level programming language, the Digital Command
Language (DCL), and DCL command procedures.
Document Structure
This manual contains the following chapters and appendixes:
Part II BASIC Programming Concepts
.
Chapter 5 explains how to get started with BASIC.
.
Chapter 6 explains simple input and output procedures.
.
Chapter 7 shows how to use arrays.
.
Chapter 8 explains data definitions.
.
Chapter 9 explains how to create user-defined data
structures with the RECORD statement.
.
Chapter 10 shows how to control the flow of program
execution.
.
Chapter 11 explains how to use functions.
.
Chapter 12 explains how to handle strings.
.
Chapter 13 describes structured programming techniques.
.
Chapter 14 explains how to manage files.
.
Chapter 15 describes how to format output with the
PRINT USING statement.
.
Chapter 16 explains error handling techniques.
.
Chapter 17 shows how to use compiler directives.
.
Chapter 18 describes how to represent data on OpenVMS
systems.
Part III Using BASIC Features on OpenVMS Systems
.
Chapter 19 describes additional I/O considerations on
OpenVMS systems.
.
Chapter 20 describes OpenVMS System Services and
Run-Time Library routines.
.
Chapter 21 describes the use of user-supplied libraries
and shareable images.
.
Chapter 22 describes how to use CDD/Repository
capabilities.
.
Chapter 23 describes BASIC language exceptions for
using standard Motif Bindings.
Appendixes
.
Appendix A lists compile-time error messages.
.
Appendix B lists run-time error messages.
.
Appendix C provides an overview of the optional
productivity tools.
Associated Documents
For more information about language element syntax and
reference information, see the DEC BASIC and VAX BASIC
for OpenVMS Systems Reference Manual .
For more information about graphics capabilities, see the
Programming with VAX BASIC Graphics manual.
The following manuals may also be of interest:
If you have suggestions for improving the documentation or
find errors, please send your comments to us in the following
ways:
.
Fill out the Reader's Comments form (in the back of the
document that contains the error) and send the form to
Digital. Be sure to include the section and page number
where the error occurred.
.
Send your comments about the documentation to the
following Internet address:
basic_docs@tle.enet.dec.com
Platform Labels
A platform is a combination of operating system and central
processing unit (CPU) that provides a distinct environment
in which to use a product (in this case, a language). This
manual contains information for the following language
platforms:
.
OpenVMS AXP
.
OpenVMS VAX
Information in this manual applies to all supported platforms,
unless it is otherwise noted. Platform-specific information is
noted in the manual as follows:
.
DEC BASIC refers to information that is correct for DEC
BASIC Version 1.1 for OpenVMS AXP Systems.
.
VAX BASIC refers to information that is correct for
VAX BASIC Version 3.6A.
Conventions
In this manual, every use of the word BASIC refers to both
DEC BASIC and VAX BASIC software.
Table 1 shows the conventions used in this manual.