The Commodore 64 hardware simulator: break chips and pins, see the results

Salvatore Sanfilippo, the creator of Redis, has released an open-source Commodore 64 hardware simulator. This project provides a unique, low-level look at the iconic 8-bit computer by simulating the behavior of its internal chips and pins. Unlike traditional emulators that focus on running software, this tool allows users to interact with the hardware at a granular level, enabling them to 'break' specific components or manipulate pins to observe the immediate physical consequences within the simulated environment. It serves as an educational resource for enthusiasts interested in computer architecture and vintage hardware debugging. By exposing the inner workings of the C64, the simulator offers a hands-on approach to understanding how early microprocessors and peripheral chips communicated. The project is available on GitHub, inviting developers and retro-computing fans to explore the complexities of the machine's design and experiment with its hardware logic.