About twenty years ago, I spent a lot of time developing on small computers such as the Commodore Amiga and the Atari ST. All of my projects were programmed in Motorola 680×0 assembler, using tools like Devpack Assembler, Deluxe Paint, ProTracker, and a few custom crunchers.
During the 1980s and 1990s, these machines represented a real revolution, bringing computing into homes and creating an unprecedented demand for software and hardware. Working on them meant dealing with strict hardware limitations and learning how to push their performance to the maximum.
The processor ran at speeds between 8 and 30 MHz, depending on the model, and memory was divided into two types:
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Chip RAM (1 MB), shared between the main CPU and the coprocessors (Blitter, Copper, etc.), which made access slower due to contention.
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Fast RAM (up to 8 MB with extension cards), dedicated exclusively to the main processor, allowing for much faster operations.
Because of these limitations, optimizing code and managing memory efficiently were essential parts of development.
One of my projects was Iris, a graphics demo entirely written in assembler. It featured a 3D presentation with texture mapping, Gouraud shading, and several other advanced visual effects for its time.
Devpack was used to code the “Iris demo” and a lot of work was needed to code, debug all assembly stuff ;-p
My first experiences with real–time graphic development using microcomputers were really exciting for me. They allowed me to explore countless possibilities of creation and development. It was a true artistic adventure. I was able to combine my artistic talents and knowledge in programming and computing to create works which could then be shared with the world. These machines provided me with a new way to express myself artistically. With these tools, I could be creative and innovative, exploring optimzation & art of coding.