Glossary

by Ray Kremer

See also: The TI-TipList Glossary

AMS
Advanced Mathematics Software. Official name of the TI-89 Flash family calculator software. Only the most recent version is posted on TI's website, but TI will distribute older versions through e-mail requests (the e-mail address used must be able to accept file attachments of over one megabyte). Some assembly programs can have compatibility problems with AMS version that are newer than they are.
AMS version history:
1.00 92+ - Plus Module (92+ Hardware 1.00)
1.00 89 and 1.01 92+ - TI-89 Hardware 1.00
1.05 - Hardware 2.00
2.01 - Unofficial release, slipped out accidentally on a few TI-89s in Europe.
2.03 - Flash application functionality most significant addition.
2.04 - Most significant change is the change of assembly program size limit from 8k to 24k.
2.05 - Fixes a bug that was introduced in version 2.04.
2.06 - Internal development version for the Voyage 200, not publically released.
2.07 - Voyage 200 release only, adds clock functions and an icon based Flash App menu.
2.08 - 2.07's additions plus inverse trig functions and compatibility with the TI Keyboard.
2.09 - Adds support for TI-Navigator, TI's classroom networking system.
3.00 - TI-89 Titanium, increases the assembly program size limit to 64k.
3.01 - Only for the Voyage 200 and 89 Titanium, AMS updates for the 89 and 92 Plus stopped

Archive
In calculators with Flash ROM, the space on the ROM chip not used by the calculator software can be used to store calculator files and programs that would ordinarily take up RAM.

Assembly
Programming language that avoids the TI-OS and accesses the processor directly using machine code. Abbreviated ASM. (Some machine code programs on the TI-89 Flash family are instead written in C using TIGCC, but the term "assembly program" is still often used as a generic term for the result.)
FAQ entry
Webopedia entry

Cabri Geometry
Geometry editor included with the TI-92 and TI-92 Plus. The current version is a Flash Application for the TI-89 Flash family. Does geometry quite well, but is generally considered useless due to the lesser significance of geometry to mathematics as a whole. Also available for computer platforms.
TI entry

CAS
Computer Algebra System. Provides the ability to manipulate variables that do not have values assigned to them. I.e. (10x²/2x)-2x=3x, d(5x³,x)=15x². Only the TI-89 family has a built in CAS, although there has been some success in making a limited CAS for the TI-83 Flash family. Also known as Symbolic Math.

CBL™/CBR™
Calculator Based Laboratory™, Calculator Based Ranger™. Devices with sensors and probes that can collect experimental data and transmit it to the calculator through the link port. The data takes the form of lists and can be explored using the statistics functions.
TI entry

Contrast
Darkness setting of the calculator's screen. Newer batteries provide more power, making the screen darker. As the batteries run out, the setting must be raised so that the screen remains dark enough to read. On the TI-8x calculators, the 2nd button followed by the up and down arrows control the contrast setting. On the TI-89 family the diamond key along with the plus and minus keys control the contrast setting. On TI's newer calculators, the contrast is automatically adjusted to the optimal setting when the calculator is turned on.

Crash
A misstep by the TI-OS or an assembly program can cause the calculator to cease to function. A memory reset must then be forced to restore operations. On the 89 family, a crash is often accompanied by a black bar and a small error message such as "address error".
FAQ entry

DeviceExplorer

The portion of the TI Connect software used to send files to and from the calculator.
FAQ entry

Emulator
Software that simulates a calculator's hardware on a computer. Uses a copy of the calculator software to simulate the entire calculator.
FAQ entry
Webopedia entry

Equation Writer
An entry system that allows you to input equation as you would write them on paper. Much like the equation editor of MS Word or WordPerfect, except it actually performs math. It's available on the HP49G, and is one of the singular most praised features of that calculator. The TI-89 Flash family version is in the Useful Programs list.

File Extension
For calculator files on the PC, the three character file extension identifies the file type and the calculator it belongs to. The first two characters are the model number, such as 82, 83, 85, 86, 89, and 92. 8x and 9x refer to the 83 Plus and the 92 Plus respectively, and v2 is used for the Voyage 200. Files can be used by any calculator from the same Model Family as the model indicated by the extension. The letter after the model number signifies the type of file, such as p for program, s for string, i for image, m for matrix, l for list, g for group file, etc. For example, an 8xk file is a TI-83 Plus Flash Application, an 86p file is a TI-86 program, an 89m file is a TI-89 matrix. A full list of file extensions available and what they mean can be found in TI Connect's help file or the File Type drop down list in the File Open window of the Graph Link software.

Flash Application
A specialized assembly program that is kept in the archive area and is run through the APPS menu. On the computer, these have a file extension ending in the letter k. Not to be confused with other types of calculator programs.

Flash ROM
A ROM chip that can be rewritten with new calculator software. Used by the TI-73, TI-83 Flash family, and TI-89 Flash family. These calculators also make use of the Flash ROM to provide archive space and can be loaded with Flash applications. Flash ROM chips do have a finite but large life span. The chips TI use are rated to a minimum 100,000 erase cycles, and the actual number of erase cycles before the chip wears out is much greater. Erase cycles occur during garage collections.
Webopedia entry

Friendly Window
Window settings that make the trace cursor easier to follow by using round increments.
FAQ entry

Garbage Collection
Similar to defrag on a PC. The archive space of a Flash ROM chip is filled sequentially. Files that are removed from the archive by the user are not actually deleted, they are just marked as deleted. When the archive fills up, the garbage collection occurs and all the things marked for deletion are actually erased while the things that are still in the archive are rearranged to the start of the archive space.

Graph Link™ Cable
Cable used to connect the calculator to a computer. Used in conjunction with TI Connect or the Graph Link Software to send programs, files, Flash applications, and calculator software (Flash ROM only). Not the same as the Unit to Unit cable. Available in serial and USB forms. Now known as the TI Connectivity cable that comes in the TI Connectivity Kit.
FAQ entry
TI entry

Graph Link™ Software
Computer program used to read or write TI Basic programs and to transfer files via the Graph Link Cable. Replaced by TI Connect for most calculators.
FAQ entry

Group File
Calculator files that have been combined into one file by TI Connect or the Graph Link Software.
FAQ entry

Hardware Version
Improvements made to the circuit board of a calculator model are designated by the hardware version number. For calculators without Flash ROM, the ROM version number can be used to distinguish hardware version. For calculators with Flash ROM, the hardware version is a separate thing to keep track of since the calculator software version can be changed. Often abbreviated as HWx with x as the version number. Most often used in reference to the TI-89 Flash family.

I/O Port
Stands for Input/Output port. This is the round jack used to connect the calculators to each other, a computer, or CBL/CBR devices. On more recent calculators, there is also a Mini AB type USB port for the same purpose.

Kernel
For TI-89 Flash family assembly, a kernel is used underneath the shell. The kernel provides the actual access to assembly functions while the shell provides a menu system for the programs. Therefore the shell is not strictly required to run assembly, but the kernel is. Kernels and shells are not dependent on each other, they can be mixed and matched. (On other calculator models the kernel and shell are integrated into one file.) The term shell is often used to mean the combination of a shell and kernel. Nostub assembly programs do not require a kernel.
Webopedia entry

Library
A file containing functions that are very commonly used by programmers. It is a space saving measure, if six programs all use a given routine having a library with that routine in it means the programs don't need to contain their own copies. Used most frequently with assembly programs on the TI-89 family. Can cause difficulty, programs may be incompatible with a library if it is not the same version as the program expects or if it is not in the place the program expects it to be.

Manual
Book containing information about the usage and behavior of the TI-OS. Useful for determining what entry will achieve the desired result. Lately TI hasn't been putting full manuals in with the calculators, but they can be bought or downloaded from TI's website.
TI entry

Math Class
The source of many concepts used by the calculators. Useful for determining what entry will achieve the desired result.

Machine Code
A language of binary code that controls the CPU directly instead of running through the TI-OS the way TI Basic does. Machine code programs are usually created by compiling assembly language source code, and therefore are commonly referred to as assembly programs. They can also be created for the TI-89 Flash family using the C language.
Webopedia entry

Model Family
Half of TI's calculators are simply upgraded versions of previous models, and thereby retain a large degree of backwards compatibility with their predecessors. Model family terms used in this FAQ are:
TI-83 Flash family - TI-83 Plus, TI-83 Plus Silver Edition, TI-84 Plus, TI-84 Plus Silver Edition
TI-83 family - TI-82, TI-83, and the TI-83 Flash family
TI-85/86
TI-8x - refers to the TI-83 family and the TI-85/86 family collectively
TI-89 Flash family - TI-89, TI-89 Titanium, TI-92 Plus, Voyage 200
TI-89 family - TI-92 and the TI-89 Flash family (Also known as the 68k family)

Native Assembly
Term describing assembly programs that do not require a shell to run, instead utilizing only the built in assembly functions of the calculator. Applies to programs for the TI-83, TI-83 Flash family, and TI-89 Flash family, since there are no built in assembly functions on the TI-82, 85, and 92. On the TI-86 all assembly programs are written in native assembly, so the distinction need not be made. Native assembly programs for the 89 Flash family are often referred to as nostub programs. Native assembly programs for the 83 Flash family are rare as the Ion/MirageOS type shell is almost universally used for assembly programs on those model.

Nostub
Term for TI-89 Flash family native assembly programs. Named after the command placed in the source code that tells the compiler not to include the stub, which is a piece of code used by all the 89/92 Plus shells to reduce program size by removing redundant code and using libraries instead.

Order of Operations
In an equation containing many operators, they are calculated in a specific order defined by the TI-OS, following accepted mathematical standards. The Order of Operations used by the calculator is listed in the manual.

PLT
Personal Learning Tool. What TI initially called the Voyage 200 instead of "graphing calculator" because supposedly it is useful in all courses, not just math and science.

Port
Because of the differences between calculators and model families in TI Basic and assembly languages, programs cannot run on calculators or model families they were not written for. Rewriting the program in the necessary places so that it will run on other calculators is known as porting the program. Ports of popular assembly programs are quite common.
FAQ entry

Pretty Print
A function of the CAS that displays equations in a form more similar to that used by textbooks.

Program
In the context of the graphing calculators, these show up in the PRGM menu on the TI-8x calculators and the Var-Link screen of the TI-89 family calculators. They can be TI-Basic or assembly. The program file type can also store text that isn't valid code, though this of course will cause a syntax error if the calculator is told to run the program. On the computer, these have a file extension ending in the letter p (in the case of TI-89 Flash family assembly programs, it is z instead). Flash Applications are generally not referred to as programs in order to differentiate between the two.
Webopedia entry

Program Archive
Large collection of programs on the internet. Used for downloading other people's programs and to provide your own programs to others.
FAQ entry

Qwerty
Type of keyboard used by the TI-92, TI-92 Plus, and Voyage 200. American standardized tests don't allow it.
Webopedia entry

RAM
The normal memory space on the calculator, as opposed to the archive that calculators with Flash ROM have. Is erased when memory is reset or when all battery power is lost. A lithium watch battery is used to retain RAM while the other batteries are changed.
Webopedia entry

Resource CD
A CD-ROM that normally comes with the calculators and TI Connectivity cables. It contains, among other things, Adobe Acrobat versions of the calculator manuals, copies of the TI-OS, Flash Applications, TI Connect, and the Graph Link software. All contents of the CD are available for download from TI's website. There are several versions of the CD of varying age, so it is best to download things such as the TI-OS or TI Connect from TI's website rather than installing them from the CD to ensure you have the latest version. The CD comes with a Macromedia Flash interface that Windows XP may refuse to run. Regardless of your Windows version however, the Flash interface can be ignored and the CD's contents can be browsed using Windows File Explorer.

ROM
1. The microchip the calculator's software is stored on. Can be Flash ROM.
2. The calculator software (operating system) itself, often used in reference to the ROM version, especially on calculators without Flash ROM.
FAQ entry
Webopedia entry

ROM version
Many changes are made to the calculator software (ROM) throughout the life span of any given model. A version number is given to each change in order to keep track of things. Different versions usually do not have noticeable differences within the TI-OS, but assembly programs will have problems with other versions unless extra care is taken by the author. The ROM version can only be changed on calculators with Flash ROM.
FAQ entry

RPN
Reverse Polish Notation. Used by Hewlett Packard calculators but not by Texas Instruments calculators. Opposite of Algebraic Entry.
HP Museum entry
RPN program for the TI-89 Flash family

SDK
Software Development Kit. Computer software and documentation used to create assembly programs and Flash Applications for the TI-83 Flash family and TI-89 Flash family calculators. Available in a freeware version for hobbyists and a costly professional version for companies who wish to sell the applications they create. The 89 Flash family version presumably clears up some of the difficulties regarding compatibility between the various Hardware versions and AMS versions of the calculators.
TI entry
Webopedia entry

Self Test
Something you shouldn't mess with. Used by TI techs to diagnose broken calculators. Usually ends in a memory reset.
FAQ entry

Serial Port
Where a serial TI Connectivity Cable plugs into the computer.
FAQ entry
Webopedia entry

Shell
1. An assembly program used to run other assembly programs. Accesses assembly functions using a hacked memory pointer, and therefore is required to run assembly at all. TI-82, TI-85, TI-92.
2. An assembly program used but not required to run other assembly programs. Accesses assembly functions using the TI-OS's assembly ability. TI-86.
3. An assembly program used to run other assembly programs. In this case, the TI-OS has an assembly ability but it is limited somehow, poorly understood, or merely ignored. Therefore the shell is still required to run the other assembly programs. TI-83, TI-83 Flash family, TI-89 Flash family.
Webopedia entry

Silent Linking
TI's term for the ability of all the calculators except the TI-82 and TI-85 to connect to the computer without using the calculator's link menu. The calculator must be left at the home screen to send files back and forth.

Source Code
Original, written form of assembly programs. The source code is transformed into the program file by a program called an assembler or compiler.
FAQ entry
Webopedia entry

Syntax Error
The calculator commands follow a strict language and order. If you type something in that doesn't follow that language, the calculator can't figure out what you want it to do and will give you an error. It will usually offer a "goto" which will direct you to the problem area. Syntax errors also occur if you try to run a TI-8x assembly program as if it were a basic program.
Webopedia entry

TASM
Table Assembler for the z80 CPU. The most commonly used program for converting TI-8x assembly source code into assembly program files.

TI-68k
General term used to refer to the TI-89 family due to the Motorola 68000 CPU they use.

TI-8x
General term used to refer to the TI-83 family, TI-85, and TI-86 as a group. May also include the TI-81, TI-80, and TI-73. These are grouped together because they are more similar to each other than they are to the TI-89 family. The model numbers in the eighties are probably in reference to the Zilog z80 CPU they use.

TI Basic
Programming language used by the TI-OS, is similar in form to BASIC. Varies slightly depending on the model family. Usually referred to simply as "Basic".
FAQ entry
Webopedia entry

TI Connect™
The replacement for the Graph Link software. TI Connect adds support for the USB Connectivity cable, it offers simplified setup and usages, but the Windows version is not compatible with the TI-82 or 85, and it does not contain a program editor.
TI page

TI Connectivity Cable
Cable used to connect the calculator to a computer. Used in conjunction with TI Connect or the Graph Link Software to send programs, files, Flash applications, and calculator software (Flash ROM only). Not the same as the Unit to Unit cable. Available in serial and USB forms. Formerly known as the Graph Link cable.
FAQ entry
TI entry

TIGCC
A TI-89 Flash family version of the Gnu C Compiler, it allows TI-89 Flash family assembly programs to be written in C. It has become a popular alternative to the TI-89 Flash family SDK, and has been used with great success in creating some very useful nostub programs.
TIGCC Homepage

TI Keyboard
External keyboard for use with the calculators. It is accompanied by a text editor Flash Application called NoteFolio. The keyboard works with the TI-89 Flash family at all times, and with the TI-83 Flash family within the NoteFolio App.
TI page

TI-OS
Short for TI Operating System, used generically even though it's distinct for each model calculator. The normal level of the calculator software, as opposed to where you go when you run assembly programs. Only the TI-OS is supported by TI. The TI-OS version can be upgraded on calculators with Flash ROM.
Webopedia entry

Tokenize
When a TI Basic program is first run, there is a pause while the calculator tokenizes the program. That means it goes through and converts the commands from text (i.e. groups of letters) to chunks of code that the calculator can recognize as a command. This usually has the effect of reducing the size of the program, since the codes take up less space than all those letters. The program is untokenized when you edit the code, and of course tokenized again the next time you run it. If you put a basic program in the archive you should run it once first to tokenize it or else the calculator will have to do it every single time the program is run. The TI-83 family does not tokenize programs since the commands on those are all treated as one character.

Unit to Unit Cable
Cable used to connect two calculators of the same model family for the transfer of files. Included in the package with the calculator. There are two varieties, one for the I/O port and one for the mini USB port on the newer calculators. Not the same as the TI Connectivity Cable.
Picture

USB
Universal Serial Bus. A relatively new kind of computer port that is poised to replace all the old ports. All new Mac computers only have USB ports. A TI Connectivity Cable for USB is available. TI's newer model calculators have built in mini USB ports.
Webopedia entry

ViewScreen™
LCD panel for overhead projectors, allows a copy of the calculator screen to be displayed on a screen. Calculators that come standard with a View Screen port are the TI-92, TI-92 Plus, Voyage 200, TI-84 Plus, and TI-84 Plus Silver Edition. All the other calculators require the special View Screen model to use the View Screen. Each View Screen panel supports all calculators in the same model family.
TI entry

Zip File
File containing one or more compressed files. Standard for downloads from most of the program archives.
FAQ entry
Webopedia entry

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