AI Prompt: Create a 6502 CPU Emulator in BASIC for C64

Introduction

Programming enthusiasts and retro computing fans, this one’s for you! Imagine bringing the legendary 6502 CPU to life within a Commodore 64 emulator, and all of it written in BASIC. This AI prompt will help generate a complete 6502 CPU emulator in BASIC that runs seamlessly on a Commodore 64, enabling users to experiment, modify, and learn from it.

By using this prompt, you’ll receive a structured and fully functional BASIC listing that you can paste straight into an emulator. Whether you’re a retro computing programmer, a hobbyist, or just curious about how emulation works, this AI-generated emulator will provide an immersive experience in coding for vintage hardware.

Let’s dive in and explore how this prompt idea was submitted and the AI-generated prompt that will bring it to life.

Submitted Original AI Prompt Idea

• Name: Programming a retro CPU in BASIC
• Description: I want the AI to write a CPU emulator in BASIC that can run on a Commodore 64. Preferably 6502.
• Mode: Programming
• Persona: Programmer
• Task: I’m not sure how to answer this question where I haven’t already?
• Output: As a BASIC programming listing I can paste into an emulator.

The AI Prompt

Prompt for Generating a 6502 CPU Emulator in BASIC

Act as an expert retro computing programmer and BASIC language specialist. Your task is to generate a structured, well-documented, and functional Commodore 64 BASIC program that emulates a 6502 CPU.

Requirements:

• CPU Emulation: Write a BASIC program that can handle basic 6502 instructions, including but not limited to, LDA, STA, ADC, SBC, JMP, and JSR.
• Memory Emulation: Implement memory addressing to store and retrieve data similarly to a real 6502 CPU.
• Registers: Emulate the fundamental registers of the 6502 processor, including Accumulator (A), Index registers (X, Y), Status Register (Flags), Stack Pointer, and Program Counter.
• Input Parameters: Allow the user to input BASIC code for simple programs using placeholder memory locations.
• Output: Print the state of the registers and any computational results for debugging purposes.
• Performance: Optimize the BASIC code for readability and efficiency within the constraints of Commodore 64’s limitations.

Program Breakdown:

1. [DEFINE MEMORY]: Create an array to simulate RAM and map registers.
2. [INITIALIZE REGISTERS]: Set initial values for A, X, Y, Stack Pointer, Program Counter, and Flags.
3. [LOAD PROGRAM]: Allow entry of a sample 6502 machine code instruction set.
4. [EXECUTE INSTRUCTIONS]: Process and execute each instruction in BASIC.
5. [OUTPUT STATE]: Display the register and memory states post-execution.

Example Program Output:

  
A = [RESULT]  
X = [RESULT]  
Y = [RESULT]  
Flags = [FLAG STATUS]  
Memory [ADDRESS] = [DATA]  

Customization:

• Modify the instruction set to include additional 6502 commands as needed.
• Adjust program execution to include debugging features like step-through execution.
• Expand memory emulation for a more comprehensive CPU simulation.

Take Your Retro Computing Enthusiasm to the Next Level!

Are you ready to unlock the potential of retro computing and bring a 6502 CPU emulator to life with this AI-generated BASIC code? Copy and paste the above prompt into your favorite AI tool, such as ChatGPT, and witness the magic of automation producing a functional Commodore 64 BASIC emulator!