Arthur Jordison has released CBM prg Studio Update 4.7.0, bringing a collection of new features and bug fixes for developers. The software continues to provide a free yet powerful toolset for those creating programs for classic Commodore computers.
One of the standout additions is the new virtual keyboard for the screen designer. This feature improves usability by making it easier to map and visualize character placement. Developers now have the option to include POKE statements when exporting screen designs, offering direct color control during output. Line editing has also improved with a character count highlight when the limit is exceeded, making it simpler to manage program flow.
The CBM prg Studio update introduces Func directives and namespaces for pBASIC, expanding flexibility for structured programming. Auto comment blocks further speed up workflow, helping developers document their code efficiently. These enhancements show Jordison’s ongoing effort to refine tools for both hobbyists and professional users.
Several long-standing issues have also been resolved. The debugger no longer crashes when working with Mega65 projects. The Align directive now functions properly, even when the align value matches the boundary. Project creation has been streamlined by automatically removing spaces from new project names. Syntax highlighting for BASIC constants now works correctly, and character counts display accurately in lines containing those constants. In addition, project default targets are retained as expected.
While CBM prg Studio is free, Jordison encourages users to support development through donations. Regular contributors are added to his mailing list, where they receive priority bug fixes and early access to beta versions. This support model helps keep the software moving forward, while giving active users faster solutions and feature previews.
CBM prg Studio update 4.7.0 reinforces the package as a reliable development environment for Commodore systems. With improved tools, fixed issues, and ongoing community support, it remains a valuable resource for programmers exploring retro computing today.
