Steve Roski

"Data Structures plus Algorithms equals Programs"

Roski's PREBASIC program revolutionized program-writing on my TRS-80 Model I Microcomputer. PREBASIC allowed me to write programs with labels instead of line numbers. This meant that I could easily write modular, structured code in line-numbered BASIC, something that was nearly impossible to do without this tool. A finished PREBASIC program could be quickly converted by the PREBASIC utility program into BASIC line-numbered syntax for running on my TRS-80.

I especially liked PREBASIC whenever I had to insert new code into an existing program. Line-numbered BASIC turned this editing operation into a chore. PREBASIC source code allows insertion of subroutines at will. It is a simple matter of cut and paste editing followed by automatic conversion of the PREBASIC code into line-numbered BASIC.

PREBASIC was rendered obsolete by QuickBASIC and its successors which did away with line numbers.… (altro)