POKE: Your Memory Magician
Want to unleash the full power of your Commodore 64? Need to tweak its inner workings for custom effects or secret tricks? Look no further than the POKE
command, your memory magician! This powerful tool lets you directly modify the contents of any memory location in your C64, opening a world of possibilities for customization and control.
Syntax
POKE <address>, <value>
Where:
- <address>
: The memory address (0-65535) you want to modify.
- <value>
: The numeric value (0-255) you want to write into that memory location.
Applications
The POKE
command is your gateway to:
- Customizing your C64: Change screen colors, border colors, cursor shapes, character sets, and more!
- Accessing hardware registers: Control the sound chip, graphics chip, and other internal components of your C64.
- Creating cheat codes: Modify game variables like lives, scores, or power-ups (don't tell anyone!).
- Experimenting with low-level programming: Learn how your C64 works at the most fundamental level.
Code Examples
1. Changing the Screen Color:
10 POKE 53280, 6 :rem Change the border color to blue
This simple example changes the background color of your C64's screen.
POKE in the Wild: The Graphics Guru
Imagine you're creating a custom graphics demo for the Commodore 64. With POKE
, you could design your own unique character set, manipulate sprite data, and create stunning visual effects that push the limits of the C64's hardware.
Don't be afraid to wield the power of POKE
! With this command, you can transform your Commodore 64 into a personal playground for experimentation and creativity. It's like having a master key to your computer's inner sanctum, unlocking a world of possibilities. So grab your memory map and start poking around – who knows what you might discover?
Important Note: Use POKE
with caution! Modifying certain memory locations can have unintended consequences, like crashing your programs or even damaging your C64. Always consult a reliable memory map and back up your important data before experimenting with POKE
.