Atari 130XE Machine Language for the Absolute Beginner

by Kevin Bergin

First published in 1985, this user-friendly guide to coding machine language on the Atari 130XE helped many owners of the much-loved home computer achieve programming feats well beyond the limits of BASIC. Based on the MOS Technology 6502 CPU running at 1.79 MHz, the 130XE was one of Atari’s famed 8-bit range - in fact the first home computer series to be designed with custom co-processor chips.

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As the original publisher Melbourne House

Go beyond the limitations of BASIC and write faster, more powerful space-saving programs using this guide compiled exclusively for Atari 130XE users.

Atari 130XE Machine Language for the Absolute Beginner offers complete instruction in 6502 machine language. Each chapter includes specific examples of machine language applications which can be demonstrated and used on your own Atari 130XE.

Even without any previous experience in computer languages the easy-to-understand ‘no jargon’ format of this book will make the art of machine language programming entirely accessible.

Atari 130XE Machine Language for the Absolute Beginner is the perfect book for anyone interested in discovering the power and potential of the Atari’s native language.

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Acorn Books is proud to present its Retro Reproduction Series, a collection of classic computing works from the 1980s and 90s, lovingly reproduced in the 21st century. From standards of programming reference no self-respecting microcomputer programmer would be without, to obscure works not found in print anywhere else, these modern reprints are perfect for any connoisseur of retro computing.

162 pages, Hardcover

Published August 19, 2022

About the author

I wrote my first book in the early 80's, it was called Commodore 64 Games. It was published in 1984 by Duckworth's in London and was followed by 10 other books mostly to do with games creation and a couple of them were far more technical.

From 1979 to 1987 I was involved in the creation of many games and wrote the books mentioned here as well as writing for all the Computer periodicals in the UK and the USA. I also wrote for many daily papers (computer reviews) and had a column in two of them including The Australian and the Sydney Morning Herald.

didn't consider myself a writer at all in this phase, it was more of a side issue. So when I came to live in Melbourne and started designing 'business' and commercial software I was surprised to discover how much I missed writing.

Since then I have started writing fictional books many times and never followed through. More recently I started a story and was supported by a friend who is an actor and writes screenplays, we helped each other. I completed a short story about six months ago but have not edited it or tried to get it published, but what I have done is taken the original idea which was a day in the life of a few different characters in the 60's in and around London and expanded that idea to be a day in the life of several characters told from three times. I love writing, I still work as a software designer and would love to write another game as I have some wonderful ideas.

I have lived in Hobsons Bay (Newport) on and off since 2001, love being near water and love the community. I was born in Sompting which is on the South Coast of England near Brighton, so the continuity for me is the community and the sea.