GRay Defender recently shared his thoughts on 6502 For Beginners, a new book by John Dale, better known as The Old School Coder. Learning 6502 Assembly is the central theme of the book, offering an approachable path for newcomers curious about 8-bit programming.
The guide introduces the 6502 microprocessor, a chip that powered legendary systems like the Commodore 64, Apple II, and Atari consoles. No prior assembly knowledge is required, making it accessible for readers who want to start from the ground up. By focusing on practical lessons, the book helps readers progress from basic concepts to creating small programs on real hardware or emulators.
Each chapter explains how the processor interprets instructions, covering memory, registers, and addressing modes in clear terms. Exercises and projects reinforce these lessons, ensuring readers not only learn the material but apply it directly. Through hands-on practice, the book transforms abstract ideas into working code that runs on classic systems.
What makes 6502 For Beginners stand out is its balance between explanation and practice. GRay Defender points out how well it guides readers through the fundamentals without overwhelming detail. Readers can expect to finish with the ability to write simple assembly routines, manage data, and understand hardware interactions.
Learning 6502 Assembly is more than an introduction. It is an invitation to explore programming on machines that shaped computing history. Whether you are a retro hobbyist, a student, or someone simply interested in how microprocessors function, this book offers an approachable and rewarding entry point. Available in paperback and hardcover, it provides a solid foundation for anyone eager to create and experiment with 8-bit code.
With GRay Defender’s review and the clarity of John Dale’s writing, Learning 6502 Assembly becomes an appealing choice for anyone ready to take their first steps into assembly programming.
