MSWLogo Download

MSWLogo, a multipurpose interpreter application using Logo programming language, allows users of any age to easily develop projects and gain basic computer science concepts at an introductory level. Created by Softronics on Borland C++ platform, this educational software package also comes complete with full source code so more experienced or demanding users can customize or even modify it as desired.

Logo programming language is designed for children of all ages to quickly learn, teaching them the fundamental concepts of object-oriented design while encouraging the use of visual symbols to represent ideas. It provides children with control of turtle graphics on screen that allow them to draw lines and other shapes; multiple turtle graphics can even be created simultaneously and used to make GIF animations.

LOGO is an interpreted program, meaning it does not get compiled. A compiled program can be written using text editors and saved, at which time a compiler reads through and converts its code into executable form that the computer understands. Conversely, with an interpreted program commands are entered directly into a commander window where they are then executed on-the-fly by Logo interpreter displaying command name and rudimentary name within rectangular area in Commander window. To enter new procedures press Editor button (Box 5); for deletion type erase procedurename into Commander window

Procedures are commands that perform single small tasks. Proper programming techniques dictate that large tasks be broken into smaller’modules, or procedures; each module performs one specific task before passing its results on to a second procedure that completes it all. Logo uses this principle to make its programs simpler to write and debug.

LOGO offers two modes of operation, WRAP and PX. WRAP mode is similar to BASIC but allows for variables and conditional statements; PX mode resembles Forth with many more commands and functions available.

The turtle graphics can be managed using the COMMAND window. Different colors can be assigned to each turtle and its lines drawn. With one command fd repeated across multiple instances on screen, turtles may also be directed in certain directions with regard to movement; similarly with turn allowing left or right turns.

To display text in a commander window, enter it in the editor box and use Font menu to change font size/style/family. It can also be opened using keyboard shortcut by clicking Command Window button then using menu Tools/ Shortcuts/ Editors/COMMAND WINDOWS or LOGO as described above.