JIT compiler for 6502 machine code, built on lib6502 and LLVM

github.com

59 points·luu··7 comments

Related - Statically Recompiling NES Games into Native Executables with LLVM and Go (http://andrewkelley.me/post/jamulator.html)

Super-interesting article, thank you for sharing.

Two great quotes from near the bottom...

"At this point in the project we have Super Mario Brothers 1 running mostly on native code, although not very highly optimized. We've learned that static compilation, while possible, is rendered pointless by some of the inherent challenges that emulating a system presents."

and...

"These issues must be resolved if we want a playable game. Sadly, the solution marks the final nail in the coffin of the integrity of this project."

So brave. 10/10 - would read again.

I don't think the 6502 will ever die. It is too popular and was used in a lot of 8 bit computers and video game consoles.

http://www.cc65.org/ Is a C based 6502 compiler that people looking at this JIT compile might be interested in.

Here are some brand new 6502 dev boards:

http://www.mouser.com/search/refine.aspx?Ntk=P_MarCom&Ntt=%2...

I only wish that this JIT compiler was for cc65 so that it produced faster 6502 code. Anyone know of any efforts to do that - my Oric Atmos sessions would definitely benefit!

Dealing with self-modifying code must be one of the hardest tricks to pull off. Saw a notice in TODO about memory leaks, I guess that means there is actually some support for this? Even with leaks that sounds quite impressive.

JIT compiling 6502 code is an idea that has been around for a long, long time.

http://tuxnes.sourceforge.net/

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