Petit Computer 3 is a tool that allows you to write programs to make a computer do stuff.

What is a Program?

A program is a set of instructions arranged sequentially that tells a computer what to do. The computer will execute the program exactly as it is told to.
Games are, of course, also a type of program.

BASIC is a Programing Language

Just like humans use various different "languages," programs use different languages with different syntaxes.
This product uses a language called "BASIC," which is known for being easy to understand because it uses wording that resembles human language (English, to be precise).

For example...

Print characters on the screen! - PRINT instruction
Make a beep! - BEEP instruction
Memorize numbers! - Variable and assignment instructions
Check which number is bigger or smaller! - Comparison and branch instructions
Repeat the operation! - Loop instructions
Save the data! - SAVE instruction

There are lots of different BASIC instructions. Once you master them, they can be used to do lots of different things, such as moving characters according to button presses on a controller, or generating sounds, in order to create fun games and tools.

Of course, if you make mistakes when writing out these instructions, you'll create errors known as bugs.

Many people now working in companies creating games or systems started off by learning how to program with BASIC. Our biggest hope is that Petit Computer will give people a taste of just how fun programming can be.