Software Tools

Here is a list of all the software tools and applications that I have used in creating the Whizz80 computer system. I currently developing on both a Mac as well as linux (Pop OS!) to do all my development on.

Software Development Tools
  • zasm - zasm is a command-line assembler for the Zilog Z80 cpu. It is available as source, which should compile on many unix-style operating systems, and as pre-compiled binary. One of the reasons I prefer this assembler over something else (such as z80pack) is that it supports macros and other nice to have features.
  • z80pack - A Z80 CPU emulator that allows you to software debug your z80 applications (and even run them) on your local desktop. Invaluable for step by step debugging. These tools I will be using a lot.
  • vscode - My second favorite editor.
Electronic Schematic/PCB Tools
  • Kicad - Schematic and PCB Creation.

I’ve since ditched Eagle for Schematic and PCB Creation since I last updated this website (2022). I’m more comfortable with using Eagle to design schematics and layout however I have found that Kicad has improved a lot the past year or so, and I want to stop the ‘free’ version of Eagle with its current limitations.

Website Tools
  • Hugo - Allows me to keep the docs updated via command-line using markDown. No fancy GUI here.
  • Hugo-Learn-Theme - The website theme used for this website.