# Nova128

Nova128 is the working name for an object-oriented programming language for the
Commodore 128. Its compiler will be written in 8502/6502 assembly, run on the
C128 in native mode, and generate native C128 PRG files.

This directory contains the project specification, agent-ready backlog, and the
implementation as it is built. The user approved continuation on 2026-11-07;
stories may be claimed in dependency order under `AGENTS.md`.

## Version 1 Product Boundary

- On-machine C128-native compiler written in ca65 assembly
- Statically typed, class-based language
- Classes, private/public fields and methods, constructors, and destructors
- Explicit `new` and `delete`
- Multiple interfaces per class
- Interface-typed variables and parameters
- Dynamic dispatch through interface method tables
- Procedural control flow and native 8502 code generation
- PETSCII SEQ source compatibility with the existing C64 Vim clone
- 40- or 80-column compiler output through KERNAL-compatible routines

Version 1 does not include class inheritance, garbage collection, exceptions,
generics, closures, overloading, floating point, a Z80 target, or a C64 target.

## Document Map

| File | Purpose |
|---|---|
| `AGENTS.md` | Mandatory operating rules for agents |
| `docs/decisions.md` | Accepted, provisional, deferred, and open decisions |
| `docs/language-spec.md` | Normative source-language specification |
| `docs/architecture.md` | Compiler, runtime, ABI, memory, and file architecture |
| `planning/epics-and-stories.md` | Work breakdown with dependencies and acceptance criteria |
| `planning/agent-workflow.md` | Claiming, handoff, verification, and completion process |

## Intended Workflow

```text
x64sc + Vim clone
        |
        | PETSCII SEQ source: PROGRAM.N8
        v
copied development D81
        |
        | close x64sc before continuing
        v
x128 + Nova128 compiler
        |
        +--> PROGRAM.PRG
        +--> PROGRAM.ERR
        +--> PROGRAM.MAP
```

The original `vim/work.d81` is an input template, never a writable project
disk. A preparation script will copy it into `newLang/build/` and inject the
compiler, runtime, examples, and fixtures.

## Approved Version 1 Defaults

The user approved continuation with these documented defaults:

- Working language name: `Nova128`
- Source suffix: `.n8`
- Compiler runs entirely on the C128
- Host tools only assemble/package/test the compiler itself
- Vim remains C64-mode for version 1
- Interfaces are required in version 1
- Class inheritance is deferred
- Memory management is explicit and deterministic

See `docs/decisions.md` for decision status and unresolved questions.