SAVE: Your Program's Time Capsule
Just crafted the perfect Commodore 64 masterpiece and don't want to see it disappear into the digital abyss? Fear not, the SAVE command is here to rescue your creation! This essential tool allows you to preserve your BASIC programs and data on cassette tape or disk, ensuring your hard work can be loaded and enjoyed again and again. Think of it as your digital time capsule for preserving your code for future generations (or at least until your next coding session)!
Syntax
Cassette:
SAVE ["<filename>"] [, <device number>]
Disk:
SAVE "<filename>", <device number>
Where:
- <filename> (Optional for cassette): The name you want to give your saved program or data file.
- <device number>:
- 1: Cassette tape drive
- 8: Disk drive
Applications
The SAVE command is your lifeline for:
- Preserving your work: Don't let power outages or accidental resets erase your programming progress! Save your programs regularly to tape or disk for safekeeping.
- Sharing your creations: Distribute your games, applications, or data files with friends and fellow Commodore enthusiasts.
- Creating backups: Make copies of your important programs and data to protect them from loss or damage.
- Organizing your collection: Use meaningful filenames to keep track of your ever-growing library of C64 software.
Code Examples
1. Saving to Cassette:
10 SAVE "MYPROGRAM"
(The C64 will prompt you to press RECORD and PLAY on your cassette player.)
2. Saving to Disk:
10 SAVE "MYPROGRAM",8
This will save your current BASIC program to the disk drive as "MYPROGRAM".
3. Saving from Within a Program:
10 rem ...(your program code)...
100 INPUT "Save program? (Y/N)"; A$
110 IF A$="Y" THEN SAVE "MYPROGRAM",8
This snippet demonstrates how to prompt the user to save the program and then execute the SAVE command if they choose to do so.
SAVE in the Wild: The Software Archivist
Imagine you're a dedicated Commodore 64 enthusiast with a vast collection of games and applications. The SAVE command is your archivist, carefully preserving each piece of software on tape or disk, ensuring that this digital heritage can be enjoyed for years to come.
Don't let your code fade away! With SAVE, you can capture your creativity and share it with the world, or simply preserve it for your own future enjoyment. It's a simple yet essential command that empowers you to protect your hard work and build a lasting legacy on your Commodore 64. So hit SAVE often and keep your digital creations safe!
