---
title: "Programming Tips and Topics"
type: "article"
slug: "programming-tips-and-topics"
url: "http://localhost/article/programming-tips-and-topics/"
markdown_url: "http://localhost/article/programming-tips-and-topics.md"
published_at: "2026-03-15T00:59:34+00:00"
modified_at: "2026-03-15T00:59:35+00:00"
featured_image:
  url: "http://localhost/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/20230809-041332.jpg"
excerpt: "Bill Harmer argues that the ZX81/TS1000 can match much more expensive computers through smart programming. Practical tips cover maximizing memory via FAST/SLOW mode optimization, the difference between usable and nominal memory compared to other platforms, using sequential program modules, and two BASIC programming pitfalls: GOSUB nesting and PRINT AT screen-blanking."
category:
  - name: "Timex Sinclair User Group Newsletter: Ottawa Chapter"
    slug: "timex-sinclair-user-group-newsletter-ottawa-chapter"
    taxonomy: "category"
    url: "http://localhost/category/periodicals/timex-sinclair-user-group-newsletter-ottawa-chapter/"
post_tag:
  - name: "BASIC (programming language)"
    slug: "basic-programming-language"
    taxonomy: "post_tag"
    url: "http://localhost/tag/basic-programming-language/"
  - name: "TS 1000"
    slug: "ts1000"
    taxonomy: "post_tag"
    url: "http://localhost/tag/ts1000/"
model:
  - name: "Timex/Sinclair 1000"
    slug: "ts-1000"
    taxonomy: "model"
    url: "http://localhost/model/ts-1000/"
indiv:
  - name: "Bill Harmer"
    slug: "bill-harmer"
    taxonomy: "indiv"
    url: "http://localhost/indiv/bill-harmer/"
publication_r:
  id: 36591
  title: "Timex Sinclair User Group Newsletter: Ottawa Chapter"
  type: "periodical"
  url: "http://localhost/periodical/timex-sinclair-user-group-newsletter-ottawa-chapter/"
authors_r:
  - name: "Bill Harmer"
    slug: "bill-harmer"
    taxonomy: "indiv"
    url: "http://localhost/indiv/bill-harmer/"
volume: "3"
issue: "2"
issues_articles:
  - id: 36603
    title: "Timex Sinclair User Group Newsletter: Ottawa Chapter v3 n2"
    type: "issue"
    url: "http://localhost/issue/timex-sinclair-user-group-newsletter-ottawa-chapter-v3-n2/"
pages: "5"
pubdate: "February 1986"
archive_link: false
---

Bill Harmer argues that the ZX81/TS1000 can match much more expensive computers through smart programming. Practical tips cover maximizing memory via FAST/SLOW mode optimization, the difference between usable and nominal memory compared to other platforms, using sequential program modules, and two BASIC programming pitfalls: GOSUB nesting and PRINT AT screen-blanking.