💾 Retro Development Made Easy

Commodore 64 Development Setup

Get your C64 development environment running in 15 minutes. Choose Docker for simplicity or install tools directly.

Choose Your Setup Method

Pick the approach that works best for you

Docker (Recommended)

Everything pre-configured in containers. Zero setup hassle - works on Mac, Windows, and Linux instantly.

Use Docker →

Local Installation

Install assemblers and emulators directly on your system. More control, requires manual setup.

Install Locally →

What We're Installing

Three essential tools for C64 development

ACME Assembler

Converts your assembly code into machine code the C64 can run. Modern, fast, with great error messages.

VICE Emulator

Runs your C64 programs on modern hardware. Cycle-accurate emulation with debugging tools.

Text Editor

Any editor works! VS Code recommended for syntax highlighting and integrated build commands.

🐳 Docker Setup (Recommended)

Everything pre-configured in one command

Step 1: Install Docker Desktop

macOS/Windows:

Download Docker Desktop →

Linux:

Install Docker on Linux:

sudo apt install docker.io docker-compose

Step 2: Get the Development Environment

Clone Repository:

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/code198x/development-environment.git
cd development-environment

Step 3: Start the Environment

Start Docker Environment:

# Start Docker containers
docker-compose up -d

# Enter the workspace
docker-compose exec workspace bash

You're now in a Linux environment with all C64 tools installed!

Step 4: Test Your Setup

Test Your Environment:

# Create a test project
make create-c64-project NAME=hello

# Build it
make build-prg PROJECT=hello

# Run in emulator
x64sc projects/commodore-64/hello/build/hello.prg

If you see the VICE emulator open with your program, you're ready!

✅ That's it! You now have a complete C64 development environment. Start your first lesson →

💻 Local Installation

Install tools directly on your system

macOS Installation

Install development tools on macOS using Homebrew or manual downloads.

Using Homebrew (Easiest):

brew install acme
brew install vice

Manual Installation:

Download ACME from GitHub
Download VICE from SourceForge
Add to PATH in ~/.zshrc or ~/.bash_profile

Windows Installation

Download and install development tools directly on Windows.

Download ACME from Releases
Download WinVICE from SourceForge
Extract both to C:\RetroTools\
Add C:\RetroTools\acme and C:\RetroTools\WinVICE to System PATH
Restart terminal/command prompt

Tip: Consider using WSL2 for a Linux-like experience on Windows.

Linux Installation

Install via your distribution's package manager.

Ubuntu/Debian:

Install on Ubuntu/Debian:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install acme vice

Fedora:

Install on Fedora:

sudo dnf install acme vice

Arch:

Install on Arch Linux:

yay -S acme vice

Verify Your Installation

Verify Installation:

# Check ACME is installed
acme --version

# Check VICE is installed
x64sc --version

Both commands should show version numbers. If not, check your PATH settings.

✅ Setup complete! You're ready to start coding. Begin your first lesson →

Quick Test: Your First Program

Verify your setup with a simple C64 program

Create a file called test.asm:

test.asm - Change border color:

* = $0801

; BASIC launcher
!byte $0c,$08,$0a,$00,$9e,$20
!byte $32,$30,$36,$31,$00,$00,$00

; Your code starts here
lda #$05    ; Green color
sta $d020   ; Border register
rts         ; Return

Assemble and run it:

Terminal Commands:

# Assemble to PRG file
acme -f cbm -o test.prg test.asm

# Run in VICE
x64sc test.prg

You should see the C64 boot with a green border! 🎉