Commodore 64
BASIC.
Learn programming on the machine's own BASIC
MOS 6510 · 64 KB · BASIC V2
Start with Unit 1Explore the published gamesMeet C64 BASIC
Write, run, edit and debug Commodore BASIC for real — and meet the screen, colour, sound and input the C64 reaches only by POKE and PEEK.
15 of 15 units published
Explore the primerWhat you'll learn
- Typing and editing a program
- PRINT, LET, INPUT
- IF/THEN, FOR/NEXT, GOTO / GOSUB
- The screen, colour, sound and joystick by POKE/PEEK
C64 BASIC turns the shared ideas into a real Commodore 64 program.
This route starts with BASIC V2 and uses complete games to make variables, loops, screen memory, input, and simple state concrete on the C64 before you decide whether to go deeper into assembly.
- No assembly knowledge is needed.
- If loops, variables or binary feel shaky, Foundations explains them; it is not required.
- The Craft and Pattern Library are supporting layers when a game introduces a reusable technique.
Games
Build complete games while you learn the fundamentals — variables, loops, and the C64's screen and memory. Begin with Meet C64 BASIC, then work through the games in order.
01
First Programs
8 games
Skyline
Build a city by writing straight to the screen
POKE to screen memoryThe separate colour RAMScreen codes
Oracle
Ask a question, get an answer from the machine
RNDINPUTIF/THEN
Reflex
How fast can you press a key?
The jiffy clock (TI)GET for an instant keypressScreen flash (POKE 53281)
Tally
Roll two dice a thousand times and watch a bell curve appear
Numeric arrays as countersThe roll value as an indexA POKEd bar chart
Bleeper
Make the SID chip play a tune you must repeat
SID registers as a voiceA sequence stored in an arrayGET to read and check the echo
Safe Cracker
Crack the code by narrowing it down
The loop-with-a-goalHigher/lower deductionColour feedback and a guess limit
Rover
Drive a rover around the screen with a joystick
Joystick (PEEK 56320)The continuous game loopLook-ahead collision
Dropzone
Fight gravity to land safely
Velocity, gravity and thrustThe continuous physics loopWin, lose, and a fuel squeeze