COMAL 80
(COMmon Algorithmic Language) is a structured programming language for the Commodore 64 that blends the user-friendly environment of BASIC with the structural discipline of Pascal.
Developed in Denmark, it was widely used in European schools during the 1980s as a superior alternative to the C64's built-in BASIC 2.0.
Key Features
Structured Control: Unlike standard BASIC, COMAL 80 supports modern control structures such as WHILE/WEND, REPEAT/UNTIL, DO/LOOP, and IF/THEN/ELSE without needing line-number-based jumps.
Procedures and Functions: Supports named subroutines with local variables and parameter passing.
Advanced Graphics & Sound: Includes built-in commands for high-resolution graphics, sprites, and the SID sound chip, replacing the cumbersome PEEK and POKE commands required in standard BASIC.
Long Variable Names: Allows for descriptive variable names, improving code readability compared to BASIC’s two-character limit.
Turtle Graphics: Includes easy-to-use commands inspired by Logo for educational drawing.
Version 2.01 supplied on cartridge with information card with links to resources and complete documentation.
