Nerd Nostalgia: Programming on the ZX Spectrum
Like many 80s computers, the ZX Spectrum uses the Basic programming language. With an emulator or hardware replica, you can still program games yourself today. However, the peculiar text input requires an explanation.
Most people who sat in front of a computer in the 80s are probably familiar with the Commodore 64. The ZX Spectrum is less well known, even though it cost much less despite a similar concept.
Like the C64, the ZX Spectrum was released in 1982 and has the form of a keyboard with the computer built into it. Back then, a CRT television usually served as the screen. Both computers operate with Basic and are well suited for games. The ZX Spectrum is generally a bit weaker; for example, it has less RAM (48 instead of 64 KB), worse sound, and – to put it nicely – a cost-effective keyboard. It was particularly successful in its country of origin, Great Britain, as well as in Spain.
Another commonality: you can easily program your own games with it. Since I've already done that with the C64, I'm trying it here too.
The Spectrum: almost like the original, but with modern comfort
Since the end of 2024, Retro Games has offered "The Spectrum", a replica of the ZX Spectrum. The principle is the same as with The C64. While externally recreated as faithfully as possible, the computer's internal workings are completely different from the original: an emulator runs on an Arm processor.
I don't notice any of this; the emulator behaves largely the same as the original. The old interfaces are missing, but with the modern processor, there are USB and HDMI. Any games can be loaded via a USB stick. The Spectrum comes with 48 integrated games. Four save states can be stored per game, and there's a rewind function that lets you jump to any point in the last 40 seconds.
Switching to the programming environment
You can also write your own programs with "The Spectrum". To do this, you switch to classic mode. This is quite well hidden: press the spacebar (also somewhat hidden in the bottom right) to access the options, then press key 6, which is also the down arrow, to go to "Advanced options". Confirm with M, and in the next selection, choose "Switch to classic mode". In the same menu, you can also set the computer to start directly in classic mode.
Of course, you can also program in an emulator on your regular computer. Both have advantages and disadvantages, as you will soon see. I use Fuse as an emulator.
How typing on the Spectrum ZX works
The ZX Spectrum has a very peculiar way of text input. With the hardware replica, you have the appropriate keyboard including all labels. In the emulator, you have to work with a normal keyboard, which is very tedious at first.
In classic mode or on the original ZX, you initially only see a grey area with a copyright notice. When you start typing, the cursor blinks and displays a letter. However, it is not the letter you last typed. Instead, this letter indicates the current mode.
- "K" stands for Keyword. In this mode, when you type a letter, the computer does not write the letter, but rather the Basic command that is written in white on the corresponding key. For example, if you type a "P", "PRINT" appears on the screen.
- "L" stands for Letters, i.e., lowercase letters. Normal typing in lowercase.
- "C" stands for Capitals, i.e., uppercase letters. You switch between lowercase and uppercase with Shift+2.
- "E" stands for Extended Mode. This allows you to activate the commands labeled in green. If you also press Shift, you can access the words labeled in red.
- "G" stands for Graphics Mode. With keys 1 to 8, you can write ASCII graphic characters to draw mosaics, blocks, thick lines, and similar.
Keyboard shortcuts for Basic commands exist on many 80s computers. However, it is unusual that they are mandatory: you cannot type a Basic command with individual letters. The computer does not recognize it as such; furthermore, you cannot even start a line with individual letters. Input always starts with mode K or E.
This is quite annoying at first. Even if you master touch typing, you'll be using the
David Lee
Senior Editor
David.Lee@digitecgalaxus.chMy interest in IT and writing landed me in tech journalism early on (2000). I want to know how we can use technology without being used. Outside of the office, I’m a keen musician who makes up for lacking talent with excessive enthusiasm.
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