Dragon Machine Language For The Absolute Beginner

First published in 1983, this easy-to-follow guide to using machine language on the Dragon 32 gave users an excellent insight into the acclaimed machine that many considered well ahead of its time. Though it was more powerful and quicker than many of its competitors, the Dragon 32 never gained the success of other 8-bit computers of the day such as the Commodore 64 or the ZX Spectrum. Despite this, the classic machine still retains a dedicated following to this day. Not only is this remastered version perfect for hobbyists and collectors, it is also a highly useful resource for those interested in programming retro games and utilities.

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As the original publisher Melbourne House wrote:

Write faster, more powerful space saving programs for your Dragon.

Written exclusively for Dragon users, Dragon Machine Language for the Absolute Beginner offers a complete instruction course in 6809 Machine Language, with particular reference to the Dragon 32.

Even with no previous experience of computer languages, the easy-to-understand 'no jargon' format of this book will enable you to discover the power of the Dragon's own language.

After introducing you to machine language and the 6809 instruction set, the book provides you with a series of short test programs which are designed to demonstrate all the Dragon's machine language instructions. These programs illustrate the use of the various instructions, their effects and actions, and will enable you to gain a practical understanding of machine language.

You are encouraged to develop routines with all the instructions in order to become familiar with the 6809's instructions as well as gaining experience in writing short machine language routines.

In addition to learning machine language, there are sample programs designed to demonstrate the power and potential of machine language in extracting the most from your Dragon. You will find that these programs contain routines that you can use when writing your own programs.

In logical steps the book takes you through a comprehensive course in machine language, including understanding assembly language, designing and writing your own programs and a thorough grounding in the purpose and use of each of the instructions in the 6809 Instruction Set.

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Acorn Books is proud to present its Retro Reproductions series, a collection of classic computing works from the 80s and 90s given a new lease of life in the 21st century. From standards of programming reference no self-respecting microcomputer coder would be without, to obscure works unavailable for many years, these modern re-prints are perfect for any connoisseur of retro computing.