FRE: Your Memory Meter
Ever wondered how much free memory your Commodore 64 has left for your awesome programs and data? Meet FRE, the command that gives you a quick peek into your C64's memory availability! It's like having a fuel gauge for your computer's brainpower, helping you optimize your code and avoid running out of space.
Syntax
PRINT FRE(<dummy argument>)
or
?<dummy argument>
Where:
- <dummy argument>: Any numeric value or variable (it's ignored by the command). This is a quirk of BASIC, so just pick a number like 0 or 1.
Applications
The FRE command is handy when:
- You're working with large arrays or strings and want to check if you have enough memory to allocate them.
- You're developing complex programs and want to monitor memory usage to optimize performance.
- You're experimenting with different coding techniques and want to see how they impact memory consumption.
Code Examples
1. Checking Free Memory:
10 PRINT FRE(0) :rem Print the amount of free memory in bytes
This will output the number of bytes available in your C64's memory.
2. Monitoring Memory Usage:
10 rem Define a Memory Function
20 DEF FN FR(X)=FRE(0)-65536*(FRE(0)<0)
30 REM Memory use
40 PRINT FN FR(0);"BYTES FREE" :rem Check free memory before allocation
50 DIM A(5000) :rem Create a large array
60 PRINT FN FR(0);"BYTES FREE" :rem Check free memory after allocation
This demonstrates how FRE can be used to monitor the impact of memory-intensive operations like creating large arrays, the function fixes the "negative" results.
FRE in the Wild: The Memory Detective
Imagine you're creating a program that loads and displays images on the Commodore 64. You could use FRE to check if there's enough memory to load a new image before attempting to do so, preventing crashes and ensuring a smooth user experience.
Don't let your programs get caught with their memory down! With FRE by your side, you can keep tabs on your Commodore 64's available memory, ensuring you have enough room for all your creative endeavors. It's like having a memory map for your computer, helping you navigate the world of programming with confidence. So check your FRE often and avoid those out-of-memory blues!
