ZX SPECTRUM
Instant-on BASIC and bedroom coding revolution
Boots straight into BASIC—no waiting. Tier 1 beginning now.
Learning Paths
📘 Sinclair BASIC
Start with Sinclair BASIC — the instant-on language that made the Spectrum a bedroom coder's dream. No cassette loading, no waiting. Switch on, see the copyright message, and start typing. Master the unique rubber keyboard, attribute-based colours, and BORDER, PAPER, INK commands.
Tier 1 Complete • 16 lessons available
- ✅ Tier 1: Discovery — BORDER, PAPER, INK colours, 24×32 text layout, PRINT AT positioning, character movement with INKEY$, collision detection with SCREEN$, scoring systems, enemy AI, complete games — Complete!
- → 16 comprehensive lessons from first PRINT to complete synthesis game
⚙️ Z80 Assembly
Master Z80 assembly programming. From ULA (Uncommitted Logic Array) graphics to full games, learn the processor that powered the Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, MSX, and Game Boy. Fast, efficient, and close to the metal.
Coming soon: Phase 1 begins with foundations
What You'll Learn
Attribute System
Master the Spectrum's unique colour system where 8×8 pixel squares share one INK and one PAPER colour. Learn why this limitation defined Spectrum aesthetics and how games worked within it.
Rubber Keyboard
Navigate the distinctive rubber keyboard with keywords printed on keys. Master keyword entry mode where single keypresses enter entire commands like PRINT, BORDER, or GOTO.
Z80 Assembly
Learn the Z80 instruction set that powered millions of machines. From simple ops to advanced techniques, write code that runs on Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, MSX, and more.
Instant Feedback
No loading times, no compilation. Switch on, type PRINT "HELLO", press Enter. See results immediately. This instant feedback loop made the Spectrum perfect for learning.
ULA Graphics
Understand the Uncommitted Logic Array that generates the Spectrum's display. Learn how the bitmap and attribute memory interact, and why screen layout is non-linear.
Development Environment
Program the Spectrum using modern emulators like Fuse or ZXSpin. Type directly into Sinclair BASIC or use cross-development tools for assembly. The instant-on environment means you're coding seconds after boot—just like in 1982.
🎮 Fuse Emulator
Accurate Spectrum emulation with snapshot saving, tape loading, and full keyboard support. Available on macOS, Linux, and Windows.
⌨️ Instant BASIC
Boot the emulator, see "© 1982 Sinclair Research Ltd", and start typing. PRINT, BORDER, INK—all via single keypresses on the rubber keyboard.
🛠️ Cross Development
For assembly: use sjasmplus or z80asm to cross-compile, generate .TAP or .TZX files, and load them into your emulator or real hardware.
💾 Tape Loading
Experience authentic tape loading with border stripes and loading sounds, or use fast loading mode. Save your programs to .TAP files for sharing.
ZX Spectrum Memory Map Preview
The Spectrum's memory layout is simple but carefully designed—ROM at the bottom, RAM above, screen memory in a specific location.
Ready to Code Like It's 1982?
Boot your Spectrum emulator, hear that distinctive beep, and start coding instantly. No frameworks, no build tools—just you, 48KB of RAM, and pure creativity.