Boris Cherny: TI-83 Plus Basic Programming Tutorial (2004)
This 2004 tutorial on TI-83 Plus BASIC programming is a blast from the past for many developers. It resurfaces a foundational text that taught countless individuals their first lines of code. The discussion is a wave of nostalgia for the era when these calculators were the primary gateway to programming for high school students.
The Lowdown
This document is a comprehensive tutorial, version 2.5 from 2004, designed by Boris Cherny to introduce beginners to programming the TI-83 Plus graphing calculator using BASIC. It encourages users to install TI Graph Link and an emulator for a better learning experience, and permits tinkering with the provided programs as long as credit is given.
The tutorial is structured progressively, starting with fundamental concepts and moving towards more intricate programming techniques.
- It introduces basic output commands like DISP, OUTPUT, and CLRHOME, along with control flow mechanisms such as LBL/GOTO, END/PAUSE, and MENU functions.
- Users learn about input handling with INPUT/PROMPT, variable manipulation, and the crucial STOP command.
- More advanced sections delve into looping constructs (FOR and WHILE functions), conditional logic (IF, THEN, ELSE, OR), and data types like STRINGS, LISTS, and MATRICES. The GETKEY function is highlighted as a powerful tool for interactive programs.
- A dedicated section covers drawing functions, including CLRDRAW, TEXT, LINE, SHADE, CIRCLE, Pt-On, and Pt-Off, enabling users to create graphical outputs.
- The guide concludes with several challenges, encouraging learners to apply their newfound skills to build games, scientific calculators, and conversion tools.
Overall, the tutorial served as a significant resource for a generation of aspiring programmers, illustrating the surprisingly deep capabilities of early graphing calculators and fostering a community of technical exploration.
The Gossip
Gateway to Gimmicks (and Genius)
Many HN users recount how the TI-83 Plus, often used during boring classes, served as their initial foray into programming. This hands-on experience, often involving writing simple games or utility programs, sparked a lifelong interest in software development for numerous individuals. The shared experience creates a sense of collective nostalgia for these formative coding moments.
Tutorial Triumphs & Trials
The discussion reveals that Boris Cherny wasn't alone in documenting TI-BASIC. Other users shared their own experiences of writing popular tutorials in their youth, sometimes humorously noting how these practical guides gained more traction than other 'serious' content they created. This highlights a widespread effort within the community to teach and learn on these devices.
Calculator Cults & Code
Beyond the TI-83, some commenters brought up their experiences with other graphing calculators, particularly HP models. These devices, often featuring more advanced or unique programming paradigms (like Forth-like languages), also fostered passionate communities of early programmers, demonstrating the diverse paths and platforms that led individuals into a coding career.
Digital Drift & Disappearance
A tangential but relatable theme emerged regarding the longevity of early digital creations. Commenters humorously express apprehension about their adolescent online content being rediscovered, while others mourn the loss of their old projects due to defunct hosting or lack of archiving, underscoring the ephemeral nature of early internet contributions.