October 4th, 2024

C64 OS Programmer's Guide

C64 OS enhances the Commodore 64 by adding modern functionalities while retaining its original OS. It provides a framework for application development and encourages community involvement for software expansion.

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C64 OS Programmer's Guide

C64 OS is an operating system add-on for the Commodore 64, enhancing its built-in features and software. It is designed to be a single-tasking, event-driven OS that provides a suite of low-level technologies and a framework for developing applications, utilities, drivers, and libraries. C64 OS retains the original low-level operating system while adding essential functionalities that modern users expect. Key applications already developed include an App Launcher, File Manager, and Image Viewer, among others. The guide emphasizes the importance of community input and creativity in expanding the software ecosystem. Developers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with C64 OS and its core technologies, which include memory allocation, exception handling, and an object-oriented UI toolkit. The Programmer's Guide is structured into sections covering core technologies, story-based tutorials, and advanced topics, providing a comprehensive resource for developers familiar with 6502 Assembly Language. It also outlines the process for writing applications, utilities, drivers, and shared libraries, along with the necessary conventions and examples. The guide is a living document, continuously updated as the project evolves.

- C64 OS enhances the Commodore 64's capabilities without erasing its original OS.

- It provides a framework for developing modern applications and utilities.

- The Programmer's Guide is structured to assist developers in learning and utilizing C64 OS technologies.

- Community involvement is encouraged to expand the software ecosystem.

- The guide is continuously updated to reflect ongoing development.

Link Icon 5 comments
By @woodrowbarlow - 6 months
c64os is a very cool project. it's a modern operating system that pushes the bounds of what's possible on the C64. it's commercial software, available for about $60, and has a full application SDK.

i haven't tried it in a while, but if anyone is interested i have a cross-compiler workspace setup here: https://github.com/woodrowbarlow/c64os-example-app

(the include files probably need to be updated)

i also worked on a python package for bundling/unbundling "car" files (a single-file bundle-archive format used by c64os): https://github.com/woodrowbarlow/c64os-util

By @pwrrr - 6 months
Great! It's always been fun to code on the C64 !!

I'll definitely take a look at the guide to see if I can make something using my normal Kickassembler setup. I don't know if it's some kind of API, but sounds like fun to find out :)

By @paulmooreparks - 6 months
Wow. I might have paid $59 in 1984 for this.
By @kleiba - 6 months
s/Balmer/Ballmer