Enhanced Color BASIC

For its third version of the "CoCo" Color Computer in 1986, Tandy wanted an update of its BASIC, but could not get Microsoft to provide anything¹⁾). So they hired Microware for providing a patch that would piggyback onto Microsoft's Extended Color BASIC loaded from ROM, adding some new commands (and bugs) to it.

It was also known as "Super Extended Color BASIC"²⁾.

Where it is/was used

• Tandy Color Computer 3 (USA, 1986)

Noteworthy characteristics

The CoCo 3 Advanced Color Video Chip, also known as GIME, had improved graphics capabilities. This BASIC extension added a set of graphical statements to take advantage of the new high-resolution video mode, typically started with "H", such as HPAINT, HPRINT, HDRAW and HLINE. An exception to the H rule was LOCATE, which was somewhat similar to its "meaning" in other Microsoft BASICs, but here worked for text output within this high-res mode. Also, this BASIC had commands for defining color palettes for RGB or composite video.

Error handling was improved by ERLIN, ERR and ERNO.

Environment and usage

Extensions

Curiosities

References