AppleSoft BASIC PDL function

E736601

The AppleSoft BASIC PDL function is a built-in routine on Apple II computers used to read analog input values from game paddles and similar controllers.

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Statements (41)

Predicate Object
instanceOf Apple II system routine
AppleSoft BASIC feature
BASIC language function
argumentName paddle number
argumentRange 0–3
argumentType integer expression
availability ROM-resident in AppleSoft BASIC
category game programming feature
input function
controllerCountSupported 4 paddles
documentation AppleSoft BASIC Programmer's Reference Manual NERFINISHED
environment AppleSoft BASIC immediate mode
AppleSoft BASIC program mode
executionEnvironment 8-bit 6502-based Apple II computers
hardwareInterface Apple II game I/O circuitry
hardwareMechanism measures RC timing of paddle potentiometer
inputDevice analog joysticks
game paddles
paddle-compatible controllers
introducedWith AppleSoft BASIC interpreter
languageFamily Microsoft BASIC lineage
platform Apple II Plus NERFINISHED
Apple II series NERFINISHED
Apple IIc NERFINISHED
Apple IIe NERFINISHED
Apple IIgs NERFINISHED
primaryUse read analog input values
read game paddle positions
read joystick positions
programmingLanguage AppleSoft BASIC NERFINISHED
relatedConcept Apple II game port NERFINISHED
relatedFunction PREAD function (on some Apple II variants)
requires connected paddle or joystick for meaningful values
returnRange 0–255
returnType integer
sideEffect reads current state of paddle timing hardware
syntax PDL(n)
typicalUseCase read analog position for educational software
read player control in games
value0Meaning paddle at one extreme of travel
value255Meaning paddle at opposite extreme of travel

Referenced by (1)

Full triples — surface form annotated when it differs from this entity's canonical label.

Apple II paddles operatingSystemSupport AppleSoft BASIC PDL function