Gurce Isikyildiz has shared an in-depth look at his latest MEGA65 Debug Tool Enhancements, introducing practical improvements that make debugging smoother and more efficient on the MEGA65 platform. His newest video explores updates to the m65dbg tool, revealing smarter commands, improved workflows, and clearer feedback for developers.
He begins by testing The Woods of Peril, a BASIC game by Lippy. During gameplay, a “Formula 2 complex error” appears, leading Gurce to showcase the debugger’s new BASIC backtrace command. This feature visually traces the BASIC stack, helping identify where recursion builds up and consumes memory. It’s an immediate example of how the MEGA65 Debug Tool Enhancements simplify troubleshooting complex program behavior.
New Commands and Smarter Tools
The MEGA65 Debug Tool Enhancements add powerful features that streamline the debugging process. Developers can now monitor BASIC float variables using PMF and WMF commands. The “set” command supports symbol names, and “poke” variations accept binary, decimal, or symbolic input. Memory editing, sprite viewing, and line-level BASIC inspection are now faster and more flexible.
Another highlight is the “reload” command, which lets developers re-import symbol and list files without restarting the debugger. The enhanced “next” command now skips macros during assembly stepping, speeding up navigation and saving time during long debugging sessions.
Easier Navigation and Organized Help
Contributor Calkbot added categorized help sections that make finding commands quicker than ever. For those who prefer the old style, the “help all” command still displays everything in one view. These updates make the tool more accessible to both newcomers and seasoned developers.
Together, these MEGA65 Debug Tool Enhancements refine the debugging experience, providing a cleaner, faster, and more user-friendly environment for anyone developing on the MEGA65.
A Creative Touch
To close the video, Gurce shows 3D-printed floppy disk boxes crafted by his sister. Each handmade case will hold future MEGA65 releases. It’s a small but memorable detail that adds warmth to this technical update.
With these MEGA65 Debug Tool Enhancements, debugging on the MEGA65 is faster, clearer, and more enjoyable than ever.
