What makes "FOCAL" FOCAL?

[rprosperi]

(04-10-2020 06:57 PM)Orome Wrote:  The question isn't whether the name was justified (or what the history was), but whether there are specific language features that distinguish it. Put another way: would you say that the 35s programming language is effectively a version of FOCAL (and if not, what distinguishes it)?

I've only ever heard it used, and would only use it myself, to refer to HP-41 programming in user code (vs. MCODE). That doesn't make us right, but as far as I know this is the only way FOCAL is used.

The 41 has many unique features, global alphanumeric labels, alpha register, etc. so the full scope of FOCAL really doesn't apply to other RPN models.

The only machine one might make a case for would be the HP-42S (and Free42, DM42, etc.), and this likely has been used by some folks in some cases since it is nearly identical.

And as Mark noted, caution is advised when comparing any machine favorably with the 41.