# BASIC-F

> Mathematical module for Sord M5

**Wikidata**: [Q121462477](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q121462477)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/basic-f

## Summary
BASIC-F is a ROM cartridge and integrated development environment (IDE) designed for the Sord M5 home computer. Released in June 1984, it functions as a mathematical software module built upon the architecture of the earlier BASIC-I. The software is marketed with the motto "Easy BASIC for Science."

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Mathematical module, ROM cartridge, software, and integrated development environment.
- **Platform:** Sord M5.
- **Manufacturer:** Sord.
- **Inception Date:** June 1984.
- **Predecessor:** Based on BASIC-I (Simple BASIC module for Sord M5, released June 1983).
- **Motto:** "Easy BASIC for Science."
- **UK Price (1984):** £44.95 (Pound Sterling) as of May 1984.
- **Czechoslovak Price (1992):** 450 bon (Czechoslovakia).
- **Documentation:** Described in English and Czech technical manuals available via archived web resources.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary function of BASIC-F?
A: BASIC-F serves as a mathematical module for the Sord M5 computer. It provides an environment for scientific computing, summarized by its motto, "Easy BASIC for Science."

### Q: How does BASIC-F relate to other Sord M5 software?
A: BASIC-F is based on BASIC-I, a simple BASIC module for the Sord M5 released a year earlier in June 1983. While BASIC-I provided general functionality, BASIC-F is specialized for mathematical tasks.

### Q: When was BASIC-F released and how much did it cost?
A: The module was released in June 1984. In the UK, it was advertised at a price of £44.95 in May 1984, shortly before its official launch date.

## Why It Matters
BASIC-F represents a specialized evolution in the software library of the Sord M5, transitioning the platform from general home computing to specific scientific and educational applications. By embedding mathematical functions into a ROM cartridge, Sord allowed users to utilize advanced capabilities without loading software from tape, ensuring immediate execution and reliability. This module illustrates the 1980s trend of computer manufacturers expanding their ecosystems through targeted, ROM-based software solutions. Its development based on the earlier BASIC-I shows a clear iterative design process aimed at refining the user experience for technical programming. The availability of the hardware across different markets, from the UK to Czechoslovakia, further highlights the global reach of the Sord M5 platform during its era.

## Notable For
- Being a dedicated **Mathematical module** for scientific computing.
- Functioning as an **Integrated Development Environment (IDE)** on a ROM cartridge.
- **Specific Use Case:** Marketed explicitly for science applications ("Easy BASIC for Science").
- **Dual Market Presence:** Recorded pricing and distribution in both Western Europe (UK) and Eastern Europe (Czechoslovakia).

## Body
### Development and Release
BASIC-F was developed as an executable software component for the Sord M5 platform. Its inception is recorded as June 1984. The module was manufactured by Sord and serves as a follow-up to BASIC-I, a simple BASIC module released in June 1983.

### Technical Specifications
Classified as a ROM cartridge, BASIC-F is categorized as both software and an integrated development environment (IDE). It is technically defined as an instance of `Q42979` (ROM cartridge). The software is designed to facilitate scientific computation, distinguishing it from standard game or utility cartridges.

### Commercial History
The module was marketed internationally with documented pricing in two distinct regions and time periods:
- **United Kingdom (1984):** Advertised by "Computer Games Limited" (CGL) in a May 1984 software update leaflet for £44.95.
- **Czechoslovakia (1992):** Listed with a price of 450 bon.

### Resources
Detailed information regarding the module is archived in both English and Czech. An English PDF manual titled "SORD m.5, Creative Computer, Basic-F" is available, alongside a Czech description hosted at `m5.arigato.cz`.

## References

1. [Sord M5 Creative Computer - Ceny](https://web.archive.org/web/20230129082744if_/http://m5.arigato.cz/cs_history_of_sord_m5_prices.html)
2. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20230801030607if_/http://m5.arigato.cz/leaflets/Computer_Games_Limited-CGL_M5_Home_Computer_from_Sord_of_Japan-Software_Update_1984-05.PDF)