basic-program

name	basic-program
description	Execute bespoke Commodore BASIC v2 programs through c64bridge.

Intent

Use this skill when the user needs a custom BASIC program rather than a one-call demo.

Inputs

• Desired behavior, inputs, and expected output.
• Target backend or backend preference.
• Whether current machine state must be preserved.

Execution

1. If the request is only a hello-world, greeting, or smoke test, delegate to .github/skills/hello-world/SKILL.md instead of generating bespoke BASIC.
2. Clarify missing requirements before generating code when the request is not already specific enough to execute.
3. Consult c64://basic/spec and c64://guide/bootstrap only when syntax or workflow constraints matter.
4. Generate uppercase, line-numbered BASIC.
5. For VICE-backed local runs, assume the user should see a real visible emulator window unless CI or the lack of a framebuffer/display session forces headless operation.
6. When running visible VICE BASIC manually, do not immediately follow the run with read_screen or wait_for_text unless the user explicitly asks for machine verification after the visible output has rendered.
7. Use c64_rag with op: "basic" only when targeted BASIC examples are needed.

Validation

1. For normal non-visual runs, call c64_memory with op: "read_screen" after execution.
2. For visible VICE runs, prefer user-visible confirmation first and only do monitor-based reads after the screen has clearly rendered or when the user asks for explicit verification.
3. Use c64_memory with op: "read" around the BASIC program area only when tokenization or memory placement needs verification.
4. Summarize expected versus observed output.

Safety

• Confirm before reset, reboot, or other disruptive recovery actions.
• Preserve existing machine state when the user requests it.

Escalation

• Switch to .github/skills/assembly-program/SKILL.md when performance, raster timing, or direct register control becomes the primary need.