DATA PROCESSING APPARATUS FOR MULTIPLE MODE OPERATION AS SPECIFIED BY USER INPUTS

A data processing apparatus capable of operating in a plurality of modes includes a technique for automatically determining the proper mode from user inputs. This invention is most applicable to small hand held or desk top data processing apparatuses which operate in one mode like a calculator and which include provisions for entering, editing and running computer programs in a higher order language. User inputs, such as those from an ordinary keyboard, are stored in an input buffer memory until an end-of-entry key is actuated. Depending upon the nature of the end-of-entry key and the particular set of keyboard entries stored in the input buffer memory, the apparatus automatically determines the required mode for processing the data in the input buffer, enters that selected mode and peforms the function required by the input characters.