# PLASMA > programming language and bytecode format for 6502 processors **Wikidata**: [Q28346709](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q28346709) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/plasma-q28346709 ## Summary PLASMA is a programming language and bytecode format designed specifically for 6502 processors, first developed in 2012. It includes multiple versions, with the latest stable release being 2.20, and is licensed under the GNU Lesser General Public License. ## Key Facts - **Instance of**: Programming language - **Inception**: 2012 - **License**: GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL) - **Versions**: 1.0.0 (2018-02-06), 1.1a (2018-03-14), 2.0 (2023-03-24), 2.1 (2024-02-15), 2.11 (2024-02-26), 2.20 (2025-05-10) - **Aliases**: Proto Language ASseMbler for Apple, Proto Language AsSeMbler for All - **Copyright status**: Copyrighted - **Source code repository**: [GitHub](https://github.com/dschmenk/PLASMA) - **File format**: Bytecode format for 6502 processors ## FAQs ### Q: What is PLASMA used for? A: PLASMA is a programming language and bytecode format specifically designed for 6502 processors, making it suitable for retro computing and systems that use this processor. ### Q: Who developed PLASMA? A: PLASMA was developed by the community and is maintained on GitHub under the username dschmenk. ### Q: What are the latest versions of PLASMA? A: The latest stable versions are 2.11 (released 2024-02-26) and 2.20 (scheduled for 2025-05-10). ### Q: Is PLASMA open-source? A: Yes, PLASMA is licensed under the GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL), making it open-source and free to use. ### Q: Where can I find the source code for PLASMA? A: The source code is available on GitHub at [https://github.com/dschmenk/PLASMA](https://github.com/dschmenk/PLASMA). ## Why It Matters PLASMA fills a niche in the programming language ecosystem by targeting the 6502 processor, which powers many classic computers and systems. Its development began in 2012, and it has since evolved through multiple versions, with the latest stable release being 2.20. The language is designed to be efficient and compatible with systems that rely on 6502 processors, making it valuable for retro computing enthusiasts and developers working on legacy hardware. By providing a dedicated language and bytecode format for this processor, PLASMA simplifies the development process for applications running on 6502-based systems. Its open-source nature, under the GNU LGPL, ensures that it remains accessible and modifiable by the community. ## Notable For - **Targeted Processor**: PLASMA is uniquely designed for the 6502 processor, distinguishing it from general-purpose programming languages. - **Multiple Versions**: The language has evolved through several versions, with the latest stable release being 2.20, indicating active development and community engagement. - **Open-Source License**: PLASMA is licensed under the GNU LGPL, making it freely available and modifiable for developers. - **Retro Computing Focus**: Its specialization in 6502 processors positions PLASMA as a valuable tool for retro computing and legacy hardware projects. - **Community-Driven Development**: Maintained on GitHub, PLASMA benefits from community contributions and continuous updates. ## Body ### Overview PLASMA is a programming language and bytecode format specifically designed for the 6502 processor. It was first developed in 2012 and has since undergone multiple updates, with the latest stable version being 2.20, scheduled for release in 2025. ### Development and Versions - **Initial Release**: The first version, 1.0.0, was released on 2018-02-06. - **Subsequent Updates**: Versions 1.1a (2018-03-14), 2.0 (2023-03-24), and 2.1 (2024-02-15) followed, with 2.11 (2024-02-26) and 2.20 (2025-05-10) being the most recent stable releases. - **Aliases**: PLASMA is also known as Proto Language ASseMbler for Apple and Proto Language AsSeMbler for All. ### Licensing and Accessibility - **License**: PLASMA is licensed under the GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL), ensuring it remains open-source and freely usable. - **Source Code**: The source code is hosted on GitHub, making it accessible to developers and contributors. ### Target Audience and Use Cases - **Primary Use**: PLASMA is designed for systems that use the 6502 processor, making it particularly useful for retro computing and legacy hardware projects. - **Community Engagement**: The language benefits from community contributions, with updates and improvements continuously integrated into the codebase. ### Technical Specifications - **Bytecode Format**: PLASMA includes a bytecode format optimized for 6502 processors, ensuring efficient execution on compatible systems. - **Copyright Status**: PLASMA is copyrighted, protecting the intellectual property of its developers. ### Future Development - **Upcoming Releases**: The next major release, version 2.20, is scheduled for 2025-05-10, indicating ongoing development and community interest in the language. ## References 1. [Source](https://api.github.com/repos/dschmenk/PLASMA) 2. [Release 1.0.0. 2018](https://github.com/dschmenk/PLASMA/releases/tag/v1.0.0) 3. [Release 1.1a. 2018](https://github.com/dschmenk/PLASMA/releases/tag/v1.1a) 4. [Release 2.0. 2023](https://github.com/dschmenk/PLASMA/releases/tag/v2.0) 5. [Release 2.1. 2024](https://github.com/dschmenk/PLASMA/releases/tag/v2.1) 6. [Release 2.11. 2024](https://github.com/dschmenk/PLASMA/releases/tag/v2.11) 7. [Release 2.20. 2025](https://github.com/dschmenk/PLASMA/releases/tag/v2.20)