Pascal65 beta – an IDE and Pascal compiler that run directly on the MEGA 65

The first public beta release of Pascal65, a Pascal IDE and compiler for the MEGA 65, has been announced after two years of development. Key features include the ability to create standalone PRG files, a multi-file editing IDE, and a compiler that operates within the editor. The project supports a significant portion of the Pascal language, including various data types, floating-point math, and modular code through Pascal Units. However, the beta version has limitations, such as the lack of support for variable initializers, Pascal pointers, and embedded strings in arrays or records. The compiler is also noted for being inefficient in code generation and has performance issues, particularly with larger code files. Future enhancements are planned, including syntax highlighting, error detection, and additional libraries for various functionalities. Despite its current immaturity and bugs, the project is open to contributions and aims to improve over time. A D81 disk image and the source code are available on GitHub.

- Pascal65 is a new IDE and compiler for the MEGA 65, now in public beta.

- The project supports a large portion of the Pascal language but has several limitations.

- Future updates are planned to enhance functionality and performance.

- The current version is not reliable for production use due to bugs and inefficiencies.

- The source code and disk image are accessible on GitHub for users and contributors.