Imagesource: Image by jcomp on Freepik

When comparing the way software was written in the 80s to today's toolchains, IDEs, and frameworks, it becomes clear just how far we've come in software development especially over the past 40 years.

While there's debate over whether the number of layers of indirection in current programming stacks are still efficient or even optimal, one thing is certain: Developing software today is vastly easier than it was back then.

But here's the thing: Back then, it was more fun. Anyone who's sat in front of a Commodore 64 using Turbo Macro Pro and worked on their own project in pure Assembly knows what I'm talking about.

Playing in the same stadium, but perhaps a different league than Turbo Macro Pro, was EDAS. Developed by Mike Webb, this cross-assembler churned out programs for the C64, C128, and NES. It can be considered one of the first real IDEs for the 6502.

Kevin Edwards, also known as @KevEdwardsRetro, has gone to the effort of providing both the source code and the corresponding .prg file on GitHub. Those feeling nostalgic can use EDAS to assemble EDAS itself. ♻️

A piece of history...rescued.