Virtual Keypunch: A Retro Trip to the 'Big Iron' Era

2025-03-10
Virtual Keypunch: A Retro Trip to the 'Big Iron' Era

Remember punch cards? Now you can experience this retro programming method with 'The Virtual Keypunch,' a free online tool. Type your text, and it generates a simulated punch card image, supporting various card types (FORTRAN, COBOL, etc.) and even binary mode. It's not just a fun nostalgic experience; it offers developers a unique way to learn about early programming.

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Development

Spinning Globe on a Commodore PET: A Retro 8-bit Dev Story

2025-01-11
Spinning Globe on a Commodore PET: A Retro 8-bit Dev Story

This post details the creation of a spinning globe animation demo on a Commodore PET, written in 6502 assembly. The author cleverly uses PETSCII characters and bit vector techniques to cram a 32x32 pixel world map into 4.8KB of memory, achieving surprisingly smooth animation. The article dives into the data structure design, projection algorithm, and optimization strategies, showcasing impressive programming skills and a passion for retro game development.

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