A single line of code offers a way to understand the cultural context of computing. This book takes a single line of code—the extremely concise BASIC program for the Commodore 64 inscribed in the title—and uses it as a lens through which to consider the phenomenon of creative computing and the way computer programs exist in culture. The authors of this collaboratively written book treat code not as merely functional but as a text—in the case of 10 PRINT, a text that appeared in many different printed sources—that yields a story about its making, its purpose, its assumptions, and more. They consider randomness and regularity in computing and art, the maze in culture, the popular BASIC programming language, and the highly influential Commodore 64 computer.

This vintage microcomputer book from 1982 has been reissued for 2020. It is an appropriate title for Novice and experts alike. Even someone who has never programmed a single line of BASIC code will find multiple streets of joy within this book's pages. Some of the programs are bare bones simple, others take advantage of Commodore BASIC's sophisticated colour graphics and sound. Keep in mind the Commodore 64/128 and the VIC-20 were both famous for their colourful, sound-arific games! Each Commodore BASIC program is introduced with background information: A line-by-line explanation of how the program works, plus string and numeric variable tables spell out what each variable stands for. Just type in the program using your Commodore keyboard and run the programs as is. The panoply of game and utility Programs include: Checkbook Balancer ■ Budget Power ■ Number Averaging ■ Calorie Counter ■ Blood Alcohol Test ■ Crypto System ■ Medical History ■ Electronic Postage Meter ■ Car Ownership Cost ■ Trip Cost Calculator ■ Meal Planner ■ Utility Audit ■ Heat Loss Cost Analysis ■ Bulk Purchase Tabulator ■ Smart Typewriter-Dumb Word Processor ■ Carpool Worksheet ■ Typing Tutor ■ Home Inventory Log ■ Tax Deduction Recorder ■ Jogger's Logbook ■ Credit Card Manager Ghost Town Vampire Girls ■ Beowulf V. Grendel ■ Jet Jockey ■ Bridge Buster ■ .44 Magnum Russian Roulette ■ Oracle at Delphi ■ I-Ching Coin Toss ■ Adventure Die Cast ■ R Is for Red ■ Music Composer. The author has published several books on BASIC programming and served as an editor on a major computer magazine.