Science and Engineering on the Commodore 64

This book is for owners of the Commodore 64 who wish to use their computer for serious science and engineering applications. It contains examples from the fields of astronomy, biology, physics, mathematics and others. Each subject is discussed thoroughly and includes complete program listings in BASIC.


The Commodore 64 is leading the way as the most popular hobby and games computer. It is also being used in universities and schools for more serious applications. In universities the use of computers was previously limited to terminals and mainframes, while in lower levels of education, computers are just beginning to be used in the classroom. Now that more programs are available which can be used in the natural sciences and engineering, computers are being used more often for solving problems as well as aiding researchers and engineers with simulations, computer- controlled equipment and software tools. The Commodore 64 offers an ideal chance to introduce previously uninterested people to the natural sciences because this machine is in very widespread use and supports impressive graphics and
programming possibilities. This book serves as an introduction to the use of computers in the natural sciences, engineering and mathematics. It provides a sweeping look into the work and thought processes of science.

Naturally, a good detail must be eliminated in order to cover such a wide range of topics in such short space. It is impossible to discuss everything dealing with science here and many individual topics require an entire book in themselves. With this book we hope to at least introduce the reader to a variety of areas in which computers (specifically the Commodore 64) can be used in science. A few words about the sample programs in this book. Graphics, sound, disk, and printer applications are not emphasized at all. The primary aim of these programs is to present the algorithms together with the scientific foundations by individual examples.

The sample programs are not intended as only isolated problem solutions, but should stir the reader to action himself. Value has been placed on well-documented listings and modular techniques. This means that you can easily integrate the program for linear regression in a program for determining reaction constants, for example.
At this point I would like to thank the people who have supported the creation of this book with their advice and deeds: Holger Jakobs with his tips for file creation, my brother Andreas, Hermann Schimtz and Juergen Thomas as well as Guido Schulwitz, and other current and former students at the University of Duisburg.
All that remains is to wish you a pleasant time on your excursion into the world of science and engineering, in which you will quickly learn that your computer can do more than just play Pac Man.