Learn Bcpl - 10 Code Examples & CST Typing Practice Test
BCPL (Basic Combined Programming Language) is a minimalist, typeless systems programming language designed for writing compilers, operating systems, and early software infrastructure.
Learn BCPL with Real Code Examples
Updated Nov 21, 2025
Code Sample Descriptions
BCPL Counter and Theme Toggle
LET count=0
LET isDark=0
FUN updateUI() =
WRITEF("Counter: %N\n", count)
IF isDark THEN
WRITEF("Theme: Dark\n")
ELSE
WRITEF("Theme: Light\n")
ENDIF
FUN increment() =
count = count + 1
updateUI()
FUN decrement() =
count = count - 1
updateUI()
FUN reset() =
count = 0
updateUI()
FUN toggleTheme() =
isDark = 1 - isDark
updateUI()
# Simulate actions
updateUI()
increment()
increment()
toggleTheme()
decrement()
reset()
Demonstrates a simple counter with theme toggling using BCPL variables and functions.
BCPL Random Number Generator
LET i=0
FOR i=1 TO 3 DO
LET num = RAND() MOD 100 + 1
WRITEF("Random %N: %N\n", i, num)
OD
Generates random numbers between 1 and 100 and prints them.
BCPL Todo List
LET todos = []
FUN addTask(task) =
APPEND(todos, task)
WRITEF("Todos: %S\n", todos)
FUN removeTask(index) =
DELETE(todos, index)
WRITEF("Todos: %S\n", todos)
# Simulate actions
addTask("Buy milk")
addTask("Write BCPL code")
removeTask(1)
Maintains a simple todo list with add and remove functionality.
BCPL Dice Roller
LET i=0
FOR i=1 TO 3 DO
LET roll = RAND() MOD 6 + 1
WRITEF("Roll %N: %N\n", i, roll)
OD
Rolls a six-sided dice three times.
BCPL Countdown Timer
LET count = 5
WHILE count >= 0 DO
WRITEF("Countdown: %N\n", count)
count = count - 1
OD
WRITEF("Done!\n")
Counts down from 5 to 0.
BCPL Prime Checker
LET nums = [7,10,13]
LET n=0
FOR n IN nums DO
LET isPrime = 1
LET i=2
WHILE i<n DO
IF n MOD i = 0 THEN isPrime = 0 END
i = i + 1
OD
IF isPrime THEN WRITEF("%N is Prime\n", n) ELSE WRITEF("%N is Not Prime\n", n) END
OD
Checks if numbers are prime.
BCPL Temperature Converter
FUN cToF(c) = c*9/5+32
FUN fToC(f) = (f-32)*5/9
WRITEF("25°C = %N°F\n", cToF(25))
WRITEF("77°F = %N°C\n", fToC(77))
Converts Celsius to Fahrenheit and Fahrenheit to Celsius.
BCPL Shopping Cart
LET cart = []
LET prices = []
FUN addItem(item, price) = APPEND(cart, item); APPEND(prices, price)
FUN removeItem(index) = DELETE(cart,index); DELETE(prices,index)
# Simulate actions
addItem("Apple",2)
addItem("Banana",3)
removeItem(1)
Adds and removes items in a shopping cart with total cost.
BCPL Name Greeting
FUN greet(name) = WRITEF("Hello, %S! Welcome!\n", name)
# Simulate greetings
greet("Saurav")
greet("Alice")
greet("Bob")
Greets users by name.
BCPL Stopwatch
LET time = 0
WHILE time < 5 DO
WRITEF("Stopwatch: %N seconds\n", time)
time = time + 1
OD
WRITEF("Done!\n")
Simulates a stopwatch incrementing seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bcpl
What is Bcpl?
BCPL (Basic Combined Programming Language) is a minimalist, typeless systems programming language designed for writing compilers, operating systems, and early software infrastructure.
What are the primary use cases for Bcpl?
Compiler and interpreter development. Operating system prototyping. Low-level systems programming. Teaching early programming language design. Legacy software and historical research
What are the strengths of Bcpl?
Extremely lightweight and simple. Highly portable across machines. Influential in the development of C and other languages. Excellent for low-level, systems-focused programming. Minimalist design facilitates compiler construction
What are the limitations of Bcpl?
No type safety, relies on programmer discipline. Not suitable for large-scale modern software. Limited libraries and tooling. No native GUI or modern OS support. Mostly of historical or educational interest today
How can I practice Bcpl typing speed?
CodeSpeedTest offers 10+ real Bcpl code examples for typing practice. You can measure your WPM, track accuracy, and improve your coding speed with guided exercises.