Back to BASICs – C64
Let’s get back to some BASICs. Commodore BASIC to be exact. This week I stumbled onto the iDevice (iPhone, iPad) app called “Hand Basic.” This is currently a free C64 BASIC emulator, complete with ability to save programs. You can even move them in and out of iTunes to backup and share them. If you make any good ones, post a link to the files in the comments to this post so others can download and drop them onto their app to try out. I am not sure sid audio is supported in the Hand Basic app. Otherwise it’s awesome.
There is another app that has been around for iDevices for a while called “Commodore 64.” It is $4.99 USD and comes with some installed games. It is not as friendly to actual coding though it does have a built in BASIC emulator now. The emulator does not let you save, load or share program files.
What if you do not have an iPad or iPhone? You can try out more C64 emulator projects.
- c64 – The VICE Emulator – Multi Platform – Free
- C64 Forever – Windows – Free and $14.95 Versions
- cbmbasic – BASIC as Scripting Project – Multi Platform – Free
- CCS64 - Windows – Free
Where can you learn more about the BASIC programming?
- C64 Programmer’s Reference Guide – PDF
- C64 Programmer’s Reference Guide – TXT
- Commodore 64 Quick Reference – PDF
Where can you learn more about the C64 and other resources?
- www.commodore.ca
- Commodore Free Magazine
- Lemon64
- C64 Walkabout Podcast – it seems on hiatus. It sounds stellar, write the hosts to show support.
Keep in mind there is a huge C64 enthusiast world out there, just google it. Plus I have it on good authority the rebooted C64 from Commodore USA should be coming out soon. So crank up the 80s music and get back to the BASICs.
If you need a little C64 Christmas Spirit, please check our our holiday special from last year. A Geek Christmas Story.
