SYS: Your Backstage Pass to Machine Language

Tired of the limitations of BASIC? Want to unleash the raw power and speed of your Commodore 64? Then grab your backstage pass – the SYS command! This is your direct line to the heart of your C64, allowing you to call machine language routines that perform tasks beyond the reach of BASIC. Think of it as your teleporter to a world of high-performance graphics, sound, and custom functionality!

Syntax

SYS <address> [,<arguments>]

Where: - <address>: The memory address where your machine language routine starts. - <arguments> (Optional): Comma-separated values passed to the machine language routine.

Applications

The SYS command opens a universe of possibilities:

Turbocharged performance: Execute time-critical code in machine language for lightning-fast speed, perfect for games, demos, and complex calculations.
Hardware wizardry: Directly control the C64's graphics and sound chips, create custom character sets, and even build your own peripherals.
Unlock hidden features: Access undocumented system functions or routines buried within the C64's ROM.
Expand your skills: Learn the art of machine language programming and dive into the inner workings of your computer.

How It Works

Preparation: Write your machine language routine using an assembler. Ensure it's loaded into memory at a known address.
The Call: Use the SYS command in your BASIC program, providing the memory address and any necessary arguments.
Execution: The C64 jumps to your machine language routine, executing its instructions with blazing speed.
Return: When your routine is finished, it typically returns control back to your BASIC program, often with a result value stored in a specific register.

Code Example (Conceptual)

10 REM Load your machine language routine into memory here (using a tool like MLX)
20 SYS 49152  :rem Call a routine located at memory address 49152 (replace with actual address)

(Note: This is a simplified example. Machine language routines often require specific arguments and setup.)

SYS in the Wild: The Demo Scene Magician

Imagine you're a member of the legendary C64 demo scene, creating mind-blowing audiovisual presentations. The SYS command would be your magic wand, conjuring up dazzling effects, intricate animations, and pulsating soundtracks that push the C64 to its limits.

Don't be held back by the confines of BASIC! With SYS, you can break free and explore the vast landscape of machine language programming. It's a challenging journey, but the rewards are immense. So grab your disassembler, fire up your assembler, and let SYS be your guide to a world of unlimited possibilities on your Commodore 64!

ABS (Function) AND (Operator) ASC (Function) ATN (Function) CHR$ (Function) CLOSE (Command) CLR (Command) CMD (Command) CONT (Command) COS (Function) DATA (Command) DEF (Command) DIM (Command) END (Command) EXP (Function) FN (Function) FOR (Command) FRE (Function) GET (Command) GET# (Command) GOSUB (Command) GOTO (Command) IF (Command) INPUT (Command) INPUT# (Commands) INT (Function) LEFT$ (Function) LEN (Function) LET (Command) LIST (Command) LOAD (Command) LOG (Function) MID$ (Function) NEW (Command) NEXT (Command) NOT (Function) ON (Command) OPEN (Command) OR (Operator) PEEK (Function) POKE (Command) POS (Command) PRINT (Command) PRINT# (Command) READ (Command) REM (Command) RESTORE (Command) RETURN (Command) RIGHT$ (Function) RND (Function) RUN (Command) SAVE (Command) SGN (Function) SIN (Function) SPC (Function) SQR (Function) STATUS (System Variable) STEP (Command) STOP (Command) STR$ (Function) SYS (Command) TAB (Function) TAN (Function) THEN (Command) TIME (System Variable) TIME$ (System Variable) TO (Command) USR (Function) VAL (Function) VERIFY (Command) WAIT (Command)