PEEK: Your Memory Microscope
Want to peer into the hidden depths of your Commodore 64's memory? Meet PEEK, your memory microscope! This powerful command lets you examine the contents of any memory location, revealing the numeric values that control your computer's inner workings. It's like having X-ray vision for your C64's memory!
Syntax
PEEK(<address>)
Where:
- <address>: The memory address (0-65535) you want to examine.
Applications
The PEEK command is your key to:
- Understanding C64 hardware: Explore memory-mapped registers that control graphics, sound, and other system functions.
- Customizing your C64: Modify system variables, change character sets, or even create your own graphics modes.
- Debugging programs: Examine the contents of variables and memory locations to track down elusive bugs.
- Creating cheat codes: Peek into game memory to find and manipulate values like lives, scores, or power-ups.
Code Examples
1. Reading the Keyboard Buffer:
10 A = PEEK(197): IF A=64 THEN 10
20 PRINT "THE PUSHED KEY HAS GOT THE VALUE: "; A
40 IF A=46 THEN END : rem Press retrun to end
30 IF A<>0 THEN 10
This example continuously checks the keyboard buffer (memory location 653) for key presses and displays the corresponding characters.
PEEK in the Wild: The Sound Synthesizer Hacker
Imagine you're creating a music program for the Commodore 64. You could use PEEK to access the sound chip's registers, allowing you to modify waveforms, pitches, and other parameters to create unique sounds and effects.
Don't be afraid to delve into the depths of memory! With PEEK, you can uncover the secrets hidden within your Commodore 64 and unlock new levels of control and customization. It's a powerful tool that can transform your understanding of how your computer works and open up a world of creative possibilities. So grab your memory map and start exploring!
Important Note: Use PEEK with caution! Modifying certain memory locations can cause your programs to crash or even damage your Commodore 64. Be sure to consult a reliable memory map before making any changes
