# cc65

> 65(C)02 cross development software

**Wikidata**: [Q1052150](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1052150)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cc65)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cc65

## Summary
cc65 is a free software cross compiler toolchain that enables development of 6502 and 65C02 processor programs on modern computers, supporting retro-computing platforms like Commodore 64. It provides a complete set of development tools including a C compiler, assembler, linker, and utilities, facilitating the creation of software for classic systems.

## Key Facts
- **Purpose**: Cross compiler targeting 6502 and 65C02 processors (verified via use property)
- **License**: zlib License (per licensing references)
- **Initial Publication**: 1999-04-26 (copyright status publication date)
- **Current Version**: 2.19 (released 2020-11-20, marked as preferred)
- **Software Class**: Free software (instance_of property)
- **Development Language**: C++ (programming_language Q15777)
- **Source Repository**: GitHub (https://github.com/cc65/cc65)
- **Primary Website**: https://cc65.github.io (preferred site)
- **Manual Location**: https://cc65.github.io/doc/

## FAQs
### Q: What does cc65 do?
A: cc65 is a cross compiler toolchain that allows developers to write C code for 6502/65C02 systems (like Commodore 64) on modern computers, converting it to machine code the target platforms can execute.

### Q: What license governs cc65?
A: cc65 is distributed under the zlib License, a permissive free software license allowing unrestricted use and modification.

### Q: Which platforms can cc65 target?
A: While primarily focused on 6502/65C02 systems (notably Commodore 64 based on c64_wiki_id), its cross-compilation capabilities enable software development for any platform supporting these processors.

### Q: How is cc65 installed?
A: It’s available via multiple package managers including Homebrew, FreeBSD ports, Fedora, macOSPorts, and AUR (cc65 and cc65-git packages).

## Why It Matters
cc65 is crucial for retro-computing enthusiasts and developers working with vintage systems like the Commodore 64. It lowers the barrier to entry by providing a high-level C programming interface for 8-bit processors that originally lacked robust compilers. This preserves and extends the lifespan of classic hardware ecosystems, enabling new software development and community innovation while maintaining compatibility with decades-old systems. Its consistent maintenance since 1999 and active GitHub presence demonstrate enduring relevance in the retro-computing landscape.

## Notable For
- **Longevity**: Actively maintained since 1999 (publication date: 1999-04-26), with consistent version releases including v2.19 in 2020
- **Comprehensive Toolchain**: Integrated suite covering compiler, assembler, linker, and utilities (not just a standalone compiler)
- **Cross-Platform Reach**: Widely packaged across major operating systems (Linux distributions, BSD variants, macOS, Windows via ports)
- **Retro-Computing Focus**: Specifically designed for 6502/65C02 systems, filling a critical niche for Commodore 64 development
- **Active Development**: Preferred website maintained at GitHub (https://cc65.github.io), indicating current developer engagement

## Body
### Overview
cc65 is a free, open-source cross development environment designed specifically for 6502 and 65C02 processors. It bridges modern development workflows with retro-computing platforms by translating C code into machine code executable on classic hardware systems.

### Features
- **Cross Compilation**: Converts C source code to executable binaries for 6502/65C02 targets
- **Integrated Tools**: Includes C compiler, assembler, linker, librarian, disassembler, and text utilities
- **Manual Integration**: User documentation hosted at https://cc65.github.io/doc/
- **Logo Availability**: Official visual identity available at Wikimedia Commons (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Cc65-logo.png)

### Version History
- **2.17**: Released 2018-03-07
- **2.18**: Released 2019-05-29
- **2.19**: Current preferred version released 2020-11-20
- All versions published via GitHub releases (repository: https://github.com/cc65/cc65)

### Distribution
- **Package Managers**: 
  - Fedora: cc65
  - FreeBSD: devel/cc65
  - macOSPorts: cc65
  - NetBSD: cross/cc65
  - Homebrew: cc65
  - AUR: cc65 and cc65-git
  - SlackBuilds: development/cc65
- **Primary Host**: https://cc65.github.io (supersedes legacy http://www.cc65.org)

### Development
- **Language**: Implemented in C++ (programming_language property Q15777)
- **Repository**: Hosted on GitHub (https://github.com/cc65/cc65)
- **Freebase ID**: /m/04h5tj
- **Open Hub ID**: cc65
- **Wiki Presence**: Documented on Commodore 64 Wiki (ID: cc65) and Wikipedia (title: "Cc65") in English and German

## References

1. [The cc65 Open Source Project on Open Hub: Licenses Page. Open Hub](https://www.openhub.net/p/cc65/licenses)
2. [The cc65 Open Source Project on Open Hub: Languages Page. Open Hub](https://www.openhub.net/p/cc65/analyses/latest/languages_summary)
3. [Release 2.17. 2018](https://github.com/cc65/cc65/releases/tag/V2.17)
4. [Release 2.18. 2019](https://github.com/cc65/cc65/releases/tag/V2.18)
5. [Release 2.19. 2020](https://github.com/cc65/cc65/releases/tag/V2.19)
6. [Source](https://api.github.com/repos/cc65/cc65)