What makes "FOCAL" FOCAL?

[Andres]

(04-14-2020 08:16 PM)Sylvain Cote Wrote:  

(04-14-2020 06:50 PM)Orome Wrote:  So really what the 41 represents is a powerful, flexible, and above all, extensible programming platform; but the language was pretty much the same as its ancestors' (plus the usability enhancments of alphanumerics provided by the platform).

Yeah, that is basically it.

Almost everything HP did after the initial HP-35 was evolution between generations, in both hardware and software. (which make perfect sense IMHO)

For the languages ...

• RPN is represented as key codes in Classic, Woodstock, Topcat, Spice/Spike, Sting (19C) & Voyager series
• RPN is represented as function names in Nut & Pioneer (RPN models) series
• BASIC is used in 75C/D & 71B
• FORTH is available for 75C/D & 71B
• AOL is represented as key codes in some Pioneer models or as solver formula in some other Pioneer models
• RPL is used in Champion & 48/49/50 series
• PPL is used in Prime & others (38G? not sure of this one)
  

edit: added AOL / Algebraic calculators

Excellent analysis, Sylvain!