In a new video from George’s Channel, the spotlight is on Lissajous Curves BASIC, a 15-line program made for the Commander X16 emulator. The video walks viewers through every step—from a single dot to a full 4×3 grid of colorful harmonic shapes. Lissajous Curves BASIC demonstrates how math and motion come together in a striking display of curves. The code uses BASIC’s simplicity to reveal these patterns with precision.
George credits Armando Pavvesa from the Oric One and Atmos Facebook group for inspiring the project. Lissajous curves form when two sine waves cross each other—one horizontal and one vertical. Their frequencies and phases create constantly changing shapes. When the frequencies align as simple ratios, the pattern closes. If not, the result is dynamic and never repeats.
Building from the Basics
The tutorial begins with plotting a single point. Then, it transforms that point into an ellipse. Finally, it builds twelve unique Lissajous curves. George explains each step by adjusting just a few BASIC commands. Multipliers, offsets, and color values make each figure distinct. The grid uses three nested loops to vary the horizontal and vertical frequencies. Each curve gains its own color, position, and shape.
Teaching Through Fixes
Instead of jumping to a finished result, George shows the trial-and-error behind every change. Misplaced curves or off-center patterns become lessons. He tweaks values like DX, DY, and PI to fine-tune the design. Every bug is fixed live, making the process easy to follow. This approach helps users learn the logic behind each change.
A Final Display of Motion
Once finished, the screen fills with twelve animated Lissajous curves. The shapes pulse with harmonic rhythm, each one unique. George ties it all back to the original code, showing how a simple idea grows into a detailed result. Lissajous Curves BASIC proves that retro code still has plenty to offer, especially when paired with visual creativity.
