Abstract: An electronic calculator includes keyboard control means for enabling the user to either immediately execute a line of one or more alphanumeric statements entered into the calculator or store that entered line of one or more alphanumeric statements in the calculator memory.

Abstract: An electronic calculator is provided by employing read-write and read-only memory units, a central processing unit, and an input-output control unit capable of bidirectionally transferring information between the memory or central processing units and a number of input and output units. The input and output units include a keyboard input unit and an alphanumeric display unit. The keyboard input unit includes means for entering a data entry statement into the read-write memory as part of a program of statements stored therein. The central processing unit includes logic means responsive to a data entry statement encountered during processing of a program stored in the read-write memory for controlling the alphanumeric display unit to indicate the nature of the data to be entered and thereby prompt the user as to the need for and nature of a data entry at the time such data entry is required during processing of that program.