This book is designed to teach the reader the essential elements of programming in machine code. It assumes absolutely no knowledge of the subject whatsoever, and yet still promises to take you to a level of proficiency beyond your wildest dreams.
Machine code is a computer language - just as BASIC is a computer language. If you can understand BASIC instructions like LET A=5 then you will surely understand machine code instructions like LD A,5. There's no mystery about it, just a myth of misunderstanding. This book will explode that myth, and enable you to bring your programming skills to their full potential.
Starting with simple addition and subtraction you are slowly guided through printing and inputting in machine code. You are shown how to use the screen to its utmost. The book explores and utilises the incredible speed of machine code, giving you real time graphics games like BREAKOUT, and leads you up to a full working DRAUGHTS program. At each stage there are exercises which test your understanding of the subject.
This book will teach you how to make music in real time - something which is IMPOSSIBLE in BASIC; to plot in high resolution graphics faster than you would have believed possible. This is not a book full of useless information to file away - YOU will acquire these skills.
The last two chapters are rather ambitious. They concern the ROM, and will lead to a better understanding about the way that BASIC variables are treated. Go for it - if you will. You'll find the rewards are well worth the effort. The Spectrum can do more than just shoot down space invaders. Master it, and always remember the most important thing in life is tea.