Commodore 64

The Commodore 64 was the most successful home computer of all time, with sales between 12.5 and 17 million units worldwide. Released in August 1982, it dominated the home computing market throughout the 1980s with its powerful graphics and sound capabilities, affordable price point, and extensive software library.

The C64’s MOS Technology 6510 processor, running at approximately 1 MHz, was paired with custom chips that gave it capabilities far beyond its modest specifications. The VIC-II graphics chip provided colorful sprites and bitmap graphics, while the legendary SID sound chip delivered three-channel audio with features that wouldn’t be seen in consumer PCs for years to come.

Key Features

• 64 KB of RAM - More memory than most computers of its era
• Advanced Graphics - 16 colors, sprites, and multiple display modes
• Revolutionary Sound - The SID chip became legendary among musicians and game developers
• Extensive Software Library - Over 10,000 commercial titles released
• Built-in BASIC - Commodore BASIC 2.0 for learning programming

Cultural Impact

The Commodore 64 was more than just a computer—it was a cultural phenomenon. It introduced an entire generation to computing, gaming, and programming. Many of today’s software developers got their start typing BASIC programs from magazines into their C64s.

The machine’s combination of affordability and capability made it accessible to middle-class families worldwide, democratizing access to computing technology in a way that had never been possible before.

Why Learn C64 Programming Today?

Programming the Commodore 64 teaches fundamental concepts that remain relevant in modern software development:

• Memory management - Working within tight constraints
• Performance optimisation - Making every byte and cycle count
• Hardware interaction - Direct programming of chips and registers
• Assembly language - Understanding how computers work at the lowest level
• Creative problem solving - Achieving impressive results with limited resources

The skills you learn programming the C64 will make you a better programmer on any platform.