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Commodore 64 (C64)

Introduction

The Commodore 64 (C64) is one of the most iconic 8‑bit home computers.
Its programs are typically stored on tapes or disks in formats like TAP, PRG, and T64. In CTF challenges, C64 binaries often contain hidden demos or flags compressed inside Commodore BASIC programs or assembly routines.

File Formats

Extension Description
.PRG Loadable program (binary starting at memory address 0x0801)
.TAP Raw tape stream (format used for Datasette tapes)
.T64 Disk/Tape container format with headers and file directory
.P00 PRG variant with extra header (from PC transfer tools)
.BAS ASCII export of Commodore BASIC listing
.CRT Cartridge ROM image

The magic for .PRG and .P00 files usually includes a 2‑byte load address followed by program code.

Tools

Tool Purpose
VICE Versatile C64 emulator with debugger and disk/tape support
c64tapedecode Convert and decode audio recordings to TAP or PRG format
CBM PRG Studio View/Edit C64 BASIC and assembler
DirMaster Disk/Tape image browser for Commodore formats