FCAP BASIC

From BASIC to BASIC

In 1992...

...we began with the Microsoft Quick Basic. Our first histogram and listmode data analysis programs - introduced on the XV ISAC Congress, Bergen, Norway - were written in BASIC language.

In 1996...

...a BASIC interpreter is integrated part of out latest software application, FCAP-list v1.20. We extended the general purpose BASIC language with more than 50 functions and statements specially designed for processing flow cytometry data. This language is called FCAP BASIC.

Projects - the most powerful batch analysis tools of FCAP-list - are FCAP BASIC programs.

FCAP BASIC Programs

Besides the interpreter engine, FCAP-list has an automatic, built-in code generator which provides an easy way to develop FCAP BASIC programs even for those who are not familiar with the computer programming.

In addition to the automatic code generation, FCAP-list helps you to write and edit source code of FCAP BASIC programs similar to developing software applications in any other high level programming language. The advanced features of FCAP BASIC, including the FOR ... NEXT loop, IF ... THEN ... ELSE, GOTO, GOSUB branching statements, logical functions, etc. are available only by the conventional programming.

FCAP BASIC Statements and Functions

The statements and functions available in FCAP BASIC v1.0 (supported by FCAP-list v1.20 and FCB v0.84) are briefly described in three documents that you can download from this Web site, as described in chapter Download FCAP BASIC Description .

You can also Download FCAP BASIC Examples , a tested FCAP BASIC document which is included in the Library of FCAP BASIC Applications (see below).

The reference chapter of FCAP BASIC User's Manual provides additional information regarding the use and syntax of the language.

'Library' of FCAP BASIC Applications

One of the most important benefits of using the Projects - FCAP BASIC programs - lies in the possibility to exchange and distribute complex, powerful data analysis processes. The program code is a pure text (ASCII) document therefor it can be transmitted via the internet as a simple e-mail message.

Soft Flow is committed to supporting the exchange and distribution of the FCAP BASIC programs ('Project' documents). We open a page in this Web site that contains several Project documents, including a short description of the task it performs.

The currently available program applications are listed in the Library of FCAP BASIC Applications. You can donload the program documents from the library and execute on any platform supporting FCAP BASIC. Besides the FCAP-list Mac software we provide a free stand alone interpreter for the DOS environment called FCB.

This is an 'Open Library'

We welcome any FCAP BASIC software application that you are ready to provide for use by the community of flow cytometry users. Please send the program code and a short description to our e-mail address with your statement that you agree to place the program into the library.

Tell Us What You Want,...   

... we might be able to help you. The programmers group of Soft Flow can support you with programming tips, suggestions, and even with 'ready to use' programs or program code fragments if you are developing an application for your data analysis work.

Should you have any questions regarding this free support please describe the problem you want to solve and send it to our e-mail address softflow@fox.klte.hu .