Effect

Converts a value to the corresponding MSX character.

Syntax

CHR$(<CodeNumber>)

Notes:

• Used in instruction PRINT you can display 32 extended graphic characters by adding CHR$(1) before the character with a code number between 64 and 95. (see example below for use and see this page for details of codes)
• It can be combined with INKEY$ to detect if a specific key has been pressed; it's useful not only for the alphanumeric keys, but also the special keys.

Parameter

<CodeNumber> is the code number of a character between 0 and 255. (See this page about codes description)

According the localisation of the used MSX computer or the used mode on Arabic machines, the results can vary.

Note: In Kanji modes, this instruction is limited to the characters 33 to 128, 161 to 223, 253 and 254, and the character displayed for CHR$(128), CHR$(253) and CHR$(254) is not correct in Kanji modes 0 and 2 (? bug in Kanji BASIC)

Examples

10 PRINT "The character with ASCII code 67 is ";CHR$(67)
20 PRINT "I like ";CHR$(77);CHR$(83);CHR$(88)
 
RUN

The character with ASCII code 67 is B
I like MSX

5 'How to print an extended graphic character
10 PRINT CHR$(1);CHR$(65);
20 PRINT CHR$(1)+CHR$(66)
 
RUN

The printed character will be a smiling face on European machines and a kana on Japanese machines.

Related to

ASC(), INKEY$, PRINT, STRING$()

Compatibility

MSX-BASIC 1.0 or higher