Editing BEEP8

= BEEP-8 =

'''BEEP-8''' is a modern fantasy console designed for C/C++ developers.  
It emulates a tiny ARM-v4a–style CPU, provides a 16-color graphical environment, and runs entirely inside a web browser.  
Games are compiled into ROM images using a GCC-based toolchain, then executed by a lightweight, high-performance JavaScript emulator.

== Overview ==

BEEP-8 aims to capture the spirit of classic embedded development while keeping the workflow simple, fun, and approachable.  
Unlike most fantasy consoles that use a scripting language (Lua, JS, etc.), BEEP-8 runs **real compiled machine code**, allowing developers to:

* Write games in standard C or C++  
* Use a predictable, cycle-accurate execution model  
* Learn low-level programming concepts (fixed-point math, registers, interrupts, timers, etc.)  
* Enjoy retro-style constraints similar to handheld consoles

== System Specifications ==

; CPU
: Emulated ARM v4a running at approximately 4 MHz  
: Two-stage pipeline, integer-only ALU  
: Banked registers, simple exception handling  
: No floating-point support (fixed-point math recommended)

; Memory
: 1 MB RAM  
: 1 MB ROM (for compiled binaries)

; Display
: Resolution: 128 × 240 (portrait)  
: Color depth: 4-bit (16-color palette, PICO-8–style)  
: Background layers, sprites, wireframe line drawing

; Sound
: Namco C30-like PSG synthesizer  
: Implemented in JavaScript for emulator playback

; OS / Kernel
: Custom lightweight RTOS (b8OS)  
: Supports threads, system calls, timers, and IRQs  
: Applications interact with hardware through memory-mapped devices

== Development Environment ==

BEEP-8 uses a GCC cross-compiler to convert C/C++ code into ARM-v4a machine code.  
A typical workflow:

# Write your program in C/C++ using the BEEP-8 SDK  
# Compile it into a ROM image  
# Load the ROM into the browser-based emulator  
# Run and debug using logging, tracing, and visual debugging tools  

The SDK includes:

* Graphics API (PICO-8–compatible layer + low-level PPU commands)  
* Fixed-point math library (fx8, fx12)  
* Sound API  
* Input handling (touch, mouse, virtual buttons)  
* File system and hardware abstraction  
* Example projects and templates

== Graphics System ==

BEEP-8 provides two layers of graphics APIs:

=== PICO-8–style High-Level API ===
Simple drawing for beginners:

* line(x0, y0, x1, y1, color)  
* circ(x, y, r, color)  
* spr(index, x, y)  
* map(x, y)  
* clip(x, y, w, h)  

=== Low-Level PPU API ===
For advanced users:

* Ordering tables (OT)  
* Direct sprite attribute writes  
* Depth-sorted primitives  
* Wireframe polygon renderer  
* Palette updates and flushes  

This dual approach allows both beginners and experts to work comfortably.

== Example Games ==

Several example projects are included in the SDK:

* 1D-Pacman  
* Flappy-like demo  
* PenPen  
* Yukiss  
* Bird-Post  
* Hom-Post  
* Wireframe experiments and physics demos

These serve as learning material for new developers.

== Philosophy ==

BEEP-8 is built around three core ideas:

# Real low-level programming should be fun  
# Constraints spark creativity  
# A retro console can live inside the modern web browser  

Unlike other fantasy consoles, BEEP-8 does not interpret a scripting language.  
Instead, it runs **actual machine code**, meaning any high-level language that can compile to ARM could theoretically be supported.

== External Links ==

* Official play page: https://beep8.org  
* SDK (GitHub): https://github.com/beep8/beep8-sdk