Python68k (Amiga)
A downloadable tool
Python68K for Amiga
Bring Python-style scripting to your classic Amiga.
About This Project
Python68K is a deliberately restricted, Python-compatible language and runtime environment designed specifically for classic Amiga systems (AmigaOS 2.x+).
Have you ever wanted to write clean, high-level code for your A500, A1200, or A4000? Python68K bridges the gap between modern scripting logic and the raw power of the Motorola 68000. By compiling source code into a custom, efficient bytecode format and executing it on an explicit stack VM, it allows you to bring Python-style productivity to the classic hardware we all love.
Why use Python68K?
Classic Amiga Compatible: Built with vbcc and +aos68k, ensuring it runs on the real hardware.
Lightweight & Modern: Offers a modern build pipeline for development and testing on your host machine (Linux/GCC), then deploys seamlessly to Amiga Hunk executables.
Feature-Rich (Language Level 0.6): Supports essential Python constructs, including:
* Scalars, Arithmetic, and Comparisons.
* Lists, Tuples, Dictionaries, and Sets.
* Comprehensions and conditional expressions.
* File I/O and standard library-like imports.
* Amiga-specific extensions like `load_library` for plugins.
What’s Included
The Runtime: The pythonami executable for your Amiga.
Development Tools: Utilities to help you tokenize, parse, and compile your scripts.*
Examples: A collection of starter scripts to help you learn the syntax and capabilities of the platform.*
* - available only on Github. It is not included in the installation archive.
Quick Start
1. Develop: Write your Python code using your favorite editor on Amiga.
2. Run: run it via the CLI: pythonami my_script.py.
*Note: This is an ongoing project under active development. While it supports a robust subset of Python, advanced features like full object-oriented classes or complex closures are still on the roadmap for future releases.
System Requirements
Amiga: AmigaOS 2.x+
Development Host (Optional): Linux with GCC for compiling the runtime.
Call to Action for the User
This project seems like a fantastic tool for the Amiga community! Would you like me to expand on any specific section of this proposal, such as drafting a more detailed "Installation & Getting Started" guide, or perhaps creating a short FAQ section for potential users?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Python68K / pythonami?
Python68K is a Python-compatible scripting language and runtime designed specifically for classic Amiga computers. It allows you to write Python-style code that runs natively on AmigaOS 2.x and later, bridging modern scripting with retro hardware.
Which Amiga models and OS versions are supported?
The runtime is compatible with Amiga systems running AmigaOS 2.x or newer, including popular models like the Amiga 500, Amiga 1200, and Amiga 4000.
Do I need an Amiga to develop with Python68K?
No, you can develop and test your scripts on a Linux host machine using the provided build pipeline. However, to run the compiled executables, you will need an Amiga or an Amiga emulator.
What Python features are supported?
Python68K supports a core subset of Python including:
- Basic data types (integers, floats, strings)
- Collections (lists, tuples, dictionaries, sets)
- Control flow (if, for, while)
- Comprehensions and conditional expressions
- File input/output
- Importing modules and Amiga-specific extensions
Advanced features like full object-oriented programming and complex closures are planned for future updates.
Can I extend Python68K with Amiga-specific functionality?
Yes! The language includes Amiga-specific extensions such as `load_library` to load plugins and interact with Amiga system libraries.
Is this project stable and production-ready?
Python68K is actively developed and considered experimental. It is stable enough for hobby projects and exploration but may lack some features and optimizations for production use.
Where can I get help or contribute?
You can open issues or contribute code on the Git repository. The community is small but passionate about Amiga development.
What are the system requirements for the host build environment?
A Linux system with GCC and vbcc cross-compiler installed is recommended for building the runtime and compiling scripts.
Download
Click download now to get access to the following files:
Development log
- Python68k for Amiga computers!2 days ago
Comments
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which version of python 2.x or 3.x ?
Hey, I'm using the Python 3.x version semantics. Although the basic elements of Python are implemented, I'm still working on expanding it. Most scripts need to be adapted to pythoami, especially those that work with files. Please check GitHub for the documentation.