If you are anxious to download, this is the spot. I recommend that you read the rest of this page to understand the limitations of this version.
You can download the X16AE from here.
Version 0.5 is intended to give users the opportunity to begin creating programs using the X16AE. This version can still host externally hosted programs, and the symbol compiler (clc.py) has been updated to work with the extended DBG file format.
You would be an ideal test subject if you are:
I am looking for the following types of feedback:
This release is available in the interest is getting early feedback, however this version is quite limited in its functionality.
Known BUGS (don't bother reporting these):
WARNING:
Your display looks like the following annotated image
The main areas of the AE you will interact with are:
Your program must not be located in, or use the, the following ranges:
I'll use the example program supplied with the X16AE zip file: example.a. I build the example using the following lines (extracted from my Makefile).
acme --report example.l --vicelabels example.lbl example.a
python clc.py example.lbl -s
Note that the acme assembly step produces a source listing (example.l) and a label file (example.lbl). The label file is in "Vice format", used by the Vice C64 emulator. The helper program, clc.py, will convert this file into the format that X16AE expects. If you are using a different assembler, you will need to alter the clc program.
The first thing you'll need to do is load your target program.
After your program is loaded, you start the program by selecting the RUN option (F4) and enter the appropriate start address. Your program will begin running and continue until it performs the final RTS or it encounters a BRK instruction. If you've included a BRK, the display will revert to the AE and look something like the following (example.a contains a break)
Note that the assembly display shows the next instruction to execute (e.g. the one after the break) at the top of the assembly listing. The register windows shows the processor registers and the processor status. Any watched locations will be shown.
To continue your program, press CONTinue (F4). The AE restores your program's screen, and continues execution after the break. Remember, STEPin, and STEPover are not yet implemented. If you select STOP, your program is terminated and you are returned to the initial screen. Your program is still loaded and memory is untouched. You can always view the final screen by selecting VIEW (F2), and SCR (F2), any key press will exit screen view and return to the AE.
You can examine code assembly by entering ASM (F3) then Address (F1). After entering the address, the code will be disassembled and displayed. Associated labels will be shown in context. The following image shows the example.a code starting at $A000.
The previous example also shows watch variables. Add watch variables by entering WATCh (F7) then choosing the type of watch you wish to display. This example shows two word watches and a byte watch location.