Programmable calculator

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Programmable calculators are calculators capable of being programmed much like a computer.

Since the early 1990s, most of these flexible handheld units belong to the class of graphing calculators. Before the mass-manufacture of inexpensive dot-matrix LCD displays, however, programmable calculators usually featured a one-line numeric or alphanumeric display.

For earlier devices, see: History of computing hardware

[edit] Calculator programming

Programmable calculators allow the user to write and store programs in the calculator in order to solve difficult problems or automate an elaborate procedure.

A screenshot of the game Space Dementia for the TI-89. Space Dementia was programmed in C
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A screenshot of the game Space Dementia for the TI-89. Space Dementia was programmed in C

Programming capability appears most commonly (although not exclusively) in graphing calculators, as the larger screen allows multiple lines of source code to be viewed simultaneously (i.e., without having to scroll to the next/previous display line).

The most common languages used in calculator programming are TI-BASIC, C, C++, and assembly. As these languages are commonly known, many programs written for calculators can be found on the internet. Users can download the programs to a personal computer, and then upload them to the calculator using a specialized link cable. Often these programs can also be run through emulators on the PC.

Commonly available programs for calculators include everything from math/science related problem solvers to arcade-style video games, as well as so-called demos.

See also: Calculator gaming
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