Commodore 64 BASIC v2 Examples

The Commodore 64 (C64), a home computer powerhouse of the 1980s, wasn't just a machine for playing games (though it had some classics!). At its heart was Commodore BASIC v2, a programming language that opened a gateway to a world of creation.

¿Why Dive into the Retro World of BASIC and Commodore 64?

Learning BASIC and exploring retrocomputing like the C64 offer a unique and valuable experience, even in today's high-tech world. Here's a glimpse into why you might consider this exciting journey:

• Grasp Programming Fundamentals: BASIC's simplicity makes it an excellent starting point for understanding core programming concepts like loops, variables, and user input. These principles translate directly to modern languages, giving you a strong foundation for future coding endeavors.

• Appreciation for Computing History: Retrocomputing lets you experience firsthand the evolution of computers. You'll gain a deeper appreciation for the remarkable progress made in technology and software since the early days.

• Boost Problem-Solving Skills: Writing programs, even basic ones, requires logical thinking and problem-solving skills. Retrocomputing provides a fun and engaging way to hone these valuable abilities.

• A Sense of Accomplishment: Creating something from scratch, even a simple program, brings a unique sense of accomplishment. Retrocomputing lets you experience the joy of building something functional with your own code.

• A Gateway to Creativity: BASIC, despite its limitations, opened doors to immense creativity. People used it to make games, write music, and even create art. Retrocomputing can spark your own creative spark and inspire you to explore new possibilities.

Whether you're a seasoned programmer or a curious beginner, the world of Commodore BASIC and retrocomputing offers a rewarding adventure. So, why not fire up an emulator, dust off those virtual floppy disks (or tapes!), and get ready to discover the magic of coding in a simpler, yet surprisingly rich, environment.

Discover what this code do!

10 print chr$(147):v=53248:p=192:poke v+21,1
20 for s1=12288 to 12350:read q1:poke s1,q1:next
25 for s2=12352 to 12414:read q2:poke s2,q2:next
30 for s3=12416 to 12478:read q3:poke s3,q3:next 
35 poke v+39,15:poke v+1,68
40 print tab(160) "i am the dancing mouse!"
50 for x=0 to 347 step 3 
55 rx=int(x/256):lx=x-rx*256
60 poke v,lx:poke v+16,rx
80 poke 2040,p:for t=1 to 60:next
85 p=p+1:ifp>194 then p=192
90 next
95 end
100 data 30,0,120,63,0,252,127,129,254,12 7,129,254,127,189,254,127,255,254
101 data 63,255,252,31,187,248,3,187,192, 1,255,128,3,189,192,1,231,128,1,255,0
102 data 31,255,0,0,124,0,0,254,0,1,199,3 2,3,131,224,7,1,192,1,192,0,3,192,0
103 data 30,0,120,63,0,252,127,129,254,12 7,129,254,127,189,254,127,255,254
104 data 63,255,252,31,221,248,3,221,192, 1,255,128,3,255,192,1,195,128,1,231,3
105 data 31,255,255,0,124,0,0,254,0,1,199 ,0,7,1,128,7,0,204,1,128,124,7,128,56
106 data 30,0,120,63,0,252,127,129,254,12 7,129,254,127,189,254,127,255,254
107 data 63,255,252,31,221,248,3,221,192, 1,255,134,3,189,204,1,199,152,1,255,48
108 data 1,255,224,1,252,0,3,254,0
109 data 7,14,0,204,14,0,248,56,0,112,112 ,0,0,60,0,+1
200 return