What is PocketASM?
PocketASM is a lightweight pseudo-assembly language designed for small, simulated CPUs used in handheld devices, emulator platforms, and retro computing experiments. It mimics the structure and feel of real assembly language, but without requiring detailed knowledge of physical hardware registers or vendor-specific instruction sets.
Its primary role is educational — teaching low-level logic, control flow, and memory operations in a simplified environment.
Specs
Language Type: Minimal assembly-inspired language
Era: ~2019–present hobby/retro computing scene
Execution Model: VM-based execution on tiny simulated CPU
Typing: None — raw values and registers
Primary Purpose: Learning assembly concepts without hardware complexity
Example Code (Hello World)
PocketASM does not always support text output, but a conceptual example may look like:
LOAD R0, 72
PRINT R0
HALT
A classic arithmetic pattern:
LOAD R0, 5
LOAD R1, 3
ADD R0, R1
PRINT R0
HALT
How It Works
PocketASM programs run on a virtual CPU with a limited instruction set. The architecture may include:
- A handful of general-purpose registers (
R0,R1,R2, etc.) - A program counter
- Simple RAM or direct memory access
- An optional stack for CALL/RET operations
Common instructions include:
| Instruction | Function |
|---|---|
LOAD |
Assign value to register |
MOV |
Copy between registers |
ADD, SUB, MUL, DIV
|
Arithmetic |
CMP |
Compare values |
JMP, JE, JNE
|
Branching |
CALL, RET
|
Subroutine handling |
HALT |
Stop program |
Some interpreters add PUSH and POP to emulate stack work.
Strengths
- Easier than real CPU assembly
- Great for learning register patterns and branching logic
- VM architecture encourages experimentation
- Good stepping stone to x86, ARM, or RISC-V assembly
Weaknesses
- Not standardized — dialects differ
- Limited instruction set compared to normal assembly
- Not suitable for commercial or embedded firmware
- Debugging tools may be minimal or emulator-specific
Where to Run
PocketASM is typically supported by:
- Retro computing emulators
- Education-focused simulators
- GitHub interpreter implementations
- Online instructional sandboxes and VM playgrounds
- TIO.run (partial support depending on syntax)
Should You Learn It?
- For educational low-level programming: Yes
- For real systems programming: No
- For retro hobby projects: Fun
- For esolang or VM architecture exploration: Excellent
Summary
PocketASM is a small but effective assembly-style language designed for experimentation and learning rather than production. It captures the essential mechanics of registers, instructions, and control flow — offering a simplified pathway into low-level reasoning without the burden of real hardware instruction sets.
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