Commands

bin2sna.py

bin2sna.py converts a binary (raw memory) file into a Z80 snapshot. For example:

$ bin2sna.py game.bin

will create a file named game.z80. By default, the origin address (the address of the first byte of code or data), the start address (the first byte of code to run) and the stack pointer are set to 65536 minus the length of game.bin. These values can be changed by passing options to bin2sna.py. Run it with no arguments to see the list of available options:

usage: bin2sna.py [options] file.bin [file.z80]

Convert a binary (raw memory) file into a Z80 snapshot. 'file.bin' may be a
regular file, or '-' for standard input. If 'file.z80' is not given, it
defaults to the name of the input file with '.bin' replaced by '.z80', or
'program.z80' if reading from standard input.

Options:
  -b BORDER, --border BORDER
                        Set the border colour (default: 7).
  -o ORG, --org ORG     Set the origin address (default: 65536 minus the
                        length of file.bin).
  -p STACK, --stack STACK
                        Set the stack pointer (default: ORG).
  -P a[-b[-c]],[^+]v, --poke a[-b[-c]],[^+]v
                        POKE N,v for N in {a, a+c, a+2c..., b}. Prefix 'v'
                        with '^' to perform an XOR operation, or '+' to
                        perform an ADD operation. This option may be used
                        multiple times.
  -r name=value, --reg name=value
                        Set the value of a register. Do '--reg help' for more
                        information. This option may be used multiple times.
  -s START, --start START
                        Set the address at which to start execution (default:
                        ORG).
  -S name=value, --state name=value
                        Set a hardware state attribute. Do '--state help' for
                        more information. This option may be used multiple
                        times.
  -V, --version         Show SkoolKit version number and exit.

Version

Changes

6.3

Added the --poke option

6.2

Added the --reg and --state options; the --org, --stack and --start options accept a hexadecimal integer prefixed by ‘0x’

5.2

New

bin2tap.py

bin2tap.py converts a binary (raw memory) file or a SNA, SZX or Z80 snapshot into a TAP file. For example:

$ bin2tap.py game.bin

will create a file called game.tap. By default, the origin address (the address of the first byte of code or data), the start address (the first byte of code to run) and the stack pointer are set to 65536 minus the length of game.bin. These values can be changed by passing options to bin2tap.py. Run it with no arguments to see the list of available options:

usage: bin2tap.py [options] FILE [file.tap]

Convert a binary (raw memory) file or a SNA, SZX or Z80 snapshot into a TAP
file. FILE may be a regular file, or '-' to read a binary file from standard
input.

Options:
  -b BEGIN, --begin BEGIN
                        Begin conversion at this address (default: ORG for a
                        binary file, 16384 for a snapshot).
  -c N, --clear N       Use a 'CLEAR N' command in the BASIC loader and leave
                        the stack pointer alone.
  -e END, --end END     End conversion at this address.
  -o ORG, --org ORG     Set the origin address for a binary file (default:
                        65536 minus the length of FILE).
  -p STACK, --stack STACK
                        Set the stack pointer (default: BEGIN).
  -s START, --start START
                        Set the start address to JP to (default: BEGIN).
  -S FILE, --screen FILE
                        Add a loading screen to the TAP file. FILE may be a
                        snapshot or a 6912-byte SCR file.
  -V, --version         Show SkoolKit version number and exit.

Note that the ROM tape loading routine at 1366 (0x0556) and the load routine used by bin2tap.py together require 14 bytes for stack operations, and so STACK must be at least 16384+14=16398 (0x400E). This means that if ORG is less than 16398, you should use the -p option to set the stack pointer to something appropriate. If the main data block (derived from game.bin) overlaps any of the last four bytes of the stack, bin2tap.py will replace those bytes with the values required by the tape loading routine for correct operation upon returning. Stack operations will overwrite the bytes in the address range STACK-14 to STACK-1 inclusive, so those addresses should not be used to store essential code or data.

If the input file contains a program that returns to BASIC, you should use the --clear option to add a CLEAR command to the BASIC loader. This option leaves the stack pointer alone, enabling the program to return to BASIC without crashing. The lowest usable address with the --clear option on a bare 48K Spectrum is 23952 (0x5D90).

Version

Changes

8.3

Added the --begin option; the --end option applies to raw memory files as well as snapshots

6.2

The --clear, --end, --org, --stack and --start options accept a hexadecimal integer prefixed by ‘0x’

5.3

Added the --screen option

5.2

Added the ability to read a binary file from standard input; added a second positional argument specifying the TAP filename

4.5

Added the --clear and --end options, and the ability to convert SNA, SZX and Z80 snapshots

3.4

Added the -V option and the long options

2.2.5

Added the -p option

1.3.1

New

skool2asm.py

skool2asm.py converts a skool file into an ASM file that can be fed to an assembler (see Supported assemblers). For example:

$ skool2asm.py game.skool > game.asm

skool2asm.py supports many options; run it with no arguments to see a list:

usage: skool2asm.py [options] FILE

Convert a skool file into an ASM file and write it to standard output. FILE may
be a regular file, or '-' for standard input.

Options:
  -c, --create-labels   Create default labels for unlabelled instructions.
  -D, --decimal         Write the disassembly in decimal.
  -E ADDR, --end ADDR   Stop converting at this address.
  -f N, --fixes N       Apply fixes:
                          N=0: None (default)
                          N=1: @ofix only
                          N=2: @ofix and @bfix
                          N=3: @ofix, @bfix and @rfix (implies -r)
  -F, --force           Force conversion, ignoring @start and @end directives.
  -H, --hex             Write the disassembly in hexadecimal.
  -I p=v, --ini p=v     Set the value of the configuration parameter 'p' to
                        'v'. This option may be used multiple times.
  -l, --lower           Write the disassembly in lower case.
  -p, --package-dir     Show path to skoolkit package directory and exit.
  -P p=v, --set p=v     Set the value of ASM writer property 'p' to 'v'. This
                        option may be used multiple times.
  -q, --quiet           Be quiet.
  -r, --rsub            Apply safe substitutions (@ssub) and relocatability
                        substitutions (@rsub) (implies '-f 1').
  --show-config         Show configuration parameter values.
  -s, --ssub            Apply safe substitutions (@ssub).
  -S ADDR, --start ADDR
                        Start converting at this address.
  -u, --upper           Write the disassembly in upper case.
  --var name=value      Define a variable that can be used by @if and the SMPL
                        macros. This option may be used multiple times.
  -V, --version         Show SkoolKit version number and exit.
  -w, --no-warnings     Suppress warnings.
  -W CLASS, --writer CLASS
                        Specify the ASM writer class to use.

See ASM modes and directives for a description of the @ssub and @rsub substitution modes, and the @ofix, @bfix and @rfix bugfix modes.

See the @set directive for information on the ASM writer properties that can be set by the --set option.

Configuration

skool2asm.py will read configuration from a file named skoolkit.ini in the current working directory or in ~/.skoolkit, if present. The recognised configuration parameters are:

  • Address - the format of the default link text for the #R macro when the target address has no label (default: ‘’); this format string recognises the replacement field address; if the format string is blank, the address is formatted exactly as it appears in the skool file (without any $ prefix)

  • Base - convert addresses and instruction operands to hexadecimal (16) or decimal (10), or leave them as they are (0, the default)

  • Case - write the disassembly in lower case (1) or upper case (2), or leave it as it is (0, the default)

  • CreateLabels - create default labels for unlabelled instructions (1), or don’t (0, the default)

  • EntryLabel - the format of the default label for the first instruction in a routine or data block (default: L{address})

  • EntryPointLabel - the format of the default label for an instruction other than the first in a routine or data block (default: {main}_{index})

  • Quiet - be quiet (1) or verbose (0, the default)

  • Set-property - set an ASM writer property value, e.g. Set-bullet=+ (see the @set directive for a list of available properties)

  • Templates - file from which to read custom ASM templates

  • Warnings - show warnings (1, the default), or suppress them (0)

EntryLabel and EntryPointLabel are standard Python format strings. EntryLabel recognises the following replacement fields:

  • address - the address of the routine or data block as it appears in the skool file

  • location - the address of the routine or data block as an integer

EntryPointLabel recognises the following replacement fields:

  • address - the address of the instruction as it appears in the skool file

  • index - 0 for the first unlabelled instruction in the routine or data block, 1 for the second, etc.

  • location - the address of the instruction as an integer

  • main - the label of the first instruction in the routine or data block

Configuration parameters must appear in a [skool2asm] section. For example, to make skool2asm.py write the disassembly in hexadecimal with a line width of 120 characters by default (without having to use the -H and -P options on the command line), add the following section to skoolkit.ini:

[skool2asm]
Base=16
Set-line-width=120

Configuration parameters may also be set on the command line by using the --ini option. Parameter values set this way will override any found in skoolkit.ini.

Version

Changes

8.5

Added the Address, EntryLabel and EntryPointLabel configuration parameters

7.2

Added the Templates configuration parameter and support for ASM templates

7.0

Non-entry blocks are reproduced verbatim; added the --force option

6.4

Added the --var option

6.2

Added the --show-config option; the --end and --start options accept a hexadecimal integer prefixed by ‘0x’

6.1

Configuration is read from skoolkit.ini if present; added the --ini option

5.0

Added the --set option

4.5

Added the --start and --end options

4.1

Added the --writer option

3.4

Added the -V and -p options and the long options

2.2.2

Added the ability to read a skool file from standard input

2.1.1

Added the -u, -D and -H options

1.1

Added the -c option

skool2bin.py

skool2bin.py converts a skool file into a binary (raw memory) file. For example:

$ skool2bin.py game.skool

To list the options supported by skool2bin.py, run it with no arguments:

usage: skool2bin.py [options] file.skool [file.bin]

Convert a skool file into a binary (raw memory) file. 'file.skool' may be a
regular file, or '-' for standard input. If 'file.bin' is not given, it
defaults to the name of the input file with '.skool' replaced by '.bin'.
'file.bin' may be a regular file, or '-' for standard output.

Options:
  -b, --bfix            Apply @ofix and @bfix directives.
  -d, --data            Process @defb, @defs and @defw directives.
  -E ADDR, --end ADDR   Stop converting at this address.
  -i, --isub            Apply @isub directives.
  -o, --ofix            Apply @ofix directives.
  -r, --rsub            Apply @isub, @ssub and @rsub directives (implies
                        --ofix).
  -R, --rfix            Apply @ofix, @bfix and @rfix directives (implies
                        --rsub).
  -s, --ssub            Apply @isub and @ssub directives.
  -S ADDR, --start ADDR
                        Start converting at this address.
  -v, --verbose         Show info on each converted instruction.
  -V, --version         Show SkoolKit version number and exit.
  -w, --no-warnings     Suppress warnings.

The --verbose option shows information on each converted instruction, such as whether it was inserted before or after another instruction (by a @*sub or @*fix directive), and its original address (if it was relocated by the insertion, removal or replacement of other instructions). For example:

40000 9C40 > XOR A
40001 9C41 | LD HL,40006   : 40000 9C40 LD HL,40003
40004 9C44 + JR 40006      :            JR 40003
40006 9C46   RET           : 40003 9C43 RET

This output shows that:

  • The instruction at 40000 (XOR A) was inserted before (>) another instruction

  • The instruction at 40001 (LD HL,40006) overwrote (|) the instruction(s) originally at 40000, and had its operand changed from 40003 (because the instruction originally at that address was relocated to 40006)

  • The instruction at 40004 (JR 40006) was inserted after (+) another instruction, and also had its operand changed from 40003

  • The instruction at 40006 (RET) was originally at 40003 (before other instructions were inserted, removed or replaced)

Version

Changes

8.1

Added the --data, --rsub, --rfix, --verbose and --no-warnings options

7.0

@if directives are processed

6.2

The --end and --start options accept a hexadecimal integer prefixed by ‘0x’

6.1

Added the ability to assemble instructions whose operands contain arithmetic expressions

5.2

Added the ability to write the binary file to standard output

5.1

Added the --bfix, --ofix and --ssub options

5.0

New

skool2ctl.py

skool2ctl.py converts a skool file into a control file. For example:

$ skool2ctl.py game.skool > game.ctl

In addition to block types and addresses, game.ctl will contain block titles, block descriptions, registers, mid-block comments, block start and end comments, sub-block types and addresses, instruction-level comments, non-entry blocks, and some ASM directives.

To list the options supported by skool2ctl.py, run it with no arguments:

usage: skool2ctl.py [options] FILE

Convert a skool file into a control file and write it to standard output. FILE
may be a regular file, or '-' for standard input.

Options:
  -b, --preserve-base   Preserve the base of decimal and hexadecimal values in
                        instruction operands and DEFB/DEFM/DEFS/DEFW statements.
  -E ADDR, --end ADDR   Stop converting at this address.
  -h, --hex             Write addresses in upper case hexadecimal format.
  -I p=v, --ini p=v     Set the value of the configuration parameter 'p' to
                        'v'. This option may be used multiple times.
  -k, --keep-lines      Preserve line breaks in comments.
  -l, --hex-lower       Write addresses in lower case hexadecimal format.
  --show-config         Show configuration parameter values.
  -S ADDR, --start ADDR
                        Start converting at this address.
  -V, --version         Show SkoolKit version number and exit.
  -w X, --write X       Write only these elements, where X is one or more of:
                          a = ASM directives
                          b = block types and addresses
                          t = block titles
                          d = block descriptions
                          r = registers
                          m = mid-block comments and block start/end comments
                          s = sub-block types and addresses
                          c = instruction-level comments
                          n = non-entry blocks

Configuration

skool2ctl.py will read configuration from a file named skoolkit.ini in the current working directory or in ~/.skoolkit, if present. The recognised configuration parameters are:

  • Hex - write addresses in decimal (0, the default), lower case hexadecimal (1), or upper case hexadecimal (2)

  • KeepLines - preserve line breaks in comments (1), or don’t (0, the default)

  • PreserveBase - preserve the base of decimal and hexadecimal values in instruction operands and DEFB/DEFM/DEFS/DEFW statements (1), or don’t (0, the default)

Configuration parameters must appear in a [skool2ctl] section. For example, to make skool2ctl.py write upper case hexadecimal addresses by default (without having to use the -h option on the command line), add the following section to skoolkit.ini:

[skool2ctl]
Hex=2

Configuration parameters may also be set on the command line by using the --ini option. Parameter values set this way will override any found in skoolkit.ini.

Version

Changes

7.2

Configuration is read from skoolkit.ini if present; added the --ini, --show-config and --keep-lines options

7.0

Added support for the ‘n’ identifier in the --write option

6.2

The --end and --start options accept a hexadecimal integer prefixed by ‘0x’

6.0

Added support for the ‘a’ identifier in the --write option

5.1

A terminal i directive is appended if the skool file ends before 65536

4.5

Added the --start and --end options

4.4

Added the --hex-lower option

3.7

Added the --preserve-base option

3.4

Added the -V option and the long options

2.4

Added the ability to preserve some ASM directives

2.2.2

Added the ability to read a skool file from standard input

2.0.6

Added the -h option

1.1

New

skool2html.py

skool2html.py converts a skool file (and its associated ref files, if any exist) into a browsable disassembly in HTML format.

For example:

$ skool2html.py game.skool

will convert the file game.skool into a bunch of HTML files. If any files named game*.ref (e.g. game.ref, game-bugs.ref, game-pokes.ref and so on) also exist in the same directory as game.skool, they will be used to provide further information to the conversion process, along with any extra files named in the RefFiles parameter in the [Config] section, and any other ref files named on the command line.

skool2html.py supports several options; run it with no arguments to see a list:

usage: skool2html.py [options] SKOOLFILE [REFFILE...]

Convert a skool file and ref files to HTML. SKOOLFILE may be a regular file, or
'-' for standard input.

Options:
  -1, --asm-one-page    Write all routines and data blocks to a single page.
  -a, --asm-labels      Use ASM labels.
  -c S/L, --config S/L  Add the line 'L' to the ref file section 'S'. This
                        option may be used multiple times.
  -C, --create-labels   Create default labels for unlabelled instructions.
  -d DIR, --output-dir DIR
                        Write files in this directory (default is '.').
  -D, --decimal         Write the disassembly in decimal.
  -H, --hex             Write the disassembly in hexadecimal.
  -I p=v, --ini p=v     Set the value of the configuration parameter 'p' to
                        'v'. This option may be used multiple times.
  -j NAME, --join-css NAME
                        Concatenate CSS files into a single file with this name.
  -l, --lower           Write the disassembly in lower case.
  -o, --rebuild-images  Overwrite existing image files.
  -O, --rebuild-audio   Overwrite existing audio files.
  -p, --package-dir     Show path to skoolkit package directory and exit.
  -P PAGES, --pages PAGES
                        Write only these pages (when using '--write P').
                        PAGES is a comma-separated list of page IDs.
  -q, --quiet           Be quiet.
  -r PREFIX, --ref-sections PREFIX
                        Show default ref file sections whose names start with
                        PREFIX and exit.
  -R, --ref-file        Show the entire default ref file and exit.
  -s, --search-dirs     Show the locations skool2html.py searches for resources.
  -S DIR, --search DIR  Add this directory to the resource search path. This
                        option may be used multiple times.
  --show-config         Show configuration parameter values.
  -t, --time            Show timings.
  -T THEME, --theme THEME
                        Use this CSS theme. This option may be used multiple
                        times.
  -u, --upper           Write the disassembly in upper case.
  --var name=value      Define a variable that can be used by @if and the SMPL
                        macros. This option may be used multiple times.
  -V, --version         Show SkoolKit version number and exit.
  -w X, --write X       Write only these files, where X is one or more of:
                          d = Disassembly files   o = Other code
                          i = Disassembly index   P = Other pages
                          m = Memory maps
  -W CLASS, --writer CLASS
                        Specify the HTML writer class to use; shorthand for
                        '--config Config/HtmlWriterClass=CLASS'.

skool2html.py searches the following directories for CSS files, JavaScript files, font files, and files listed in the [Resources] section of the ref file:

  • The directory that contains the skool file named on the command line

  • The current working directory

  • ./resources

  • ~/.skoolkit

  • $PACKAGE_DIR/resources

  • Any other directories specified by the -S/--search option

where $PACKAGE_DIR is the directory in which the skoolkit package is installed (as shown by skool2html.py -p). When you need a reminder of these locations, run skool2html.py -s.

The -T option sets the CSS theme. For example, if game.ref specifies the CSS files to use thus:

[Game]
StyleSheet=skoolkit.css;game.css

then:

$ skool2html.py -T dark -T wide game.skool

will use the following CSS files, if they exist, in the order listed:

  • skoolkit.css

  • skoolkit-dark.css

  • skoolkit-wide.css

  • game.css

  • game-dark.css

  • game-wide.css

  • dark.css

  • wide.css

Configuration

skool2html.py will read configuration from a file named skoolkit.ini in the current working directory or in ~/.skoolkit, if present. The recognised configuration parameters are:

  • AsmLabels - use ASM labels (1), or don’t (0, the default)

  • AsmOnePage - write all routines and data blocks to a single page (1), or to multiple pages (0, the default)

  • Base - convert addresses and instruction operands to hexadecimal (16) or decimal (10), or leave them as they are (0, the default)

  • Case - write the disassembly in lower case (1) or upper case (2), or leave it as it is (0, the default)

  • CreateLabels - create default labels for unlabelled instructions (1), or don’t (0, the default)

  • EntryLabel - the format of the default label for the first instruction in a routine or data block (default: L{address})

  • EntryPointLabel - the format of the default label for an instruction other than the first in a routine or data block (default: {main}_{index})

  • JoinCss - if specified, concatenate CSS files into a single file with this name

  • OutputDir - write files in this directory (default: .)

  • Quiet - be quiet (1) or verbose (0, the default)

  • RebuildAudio - overwrite existing audio files (1), or leave them alone (0, the default)

  • RebuildImages - overwrite existing image files (1), or leave them alone (0, the default)

  • Search - directory to add to the resource search path; to specify two or more directories, separate them with commas

  • Theme - CSS theme to use; to specify two or more themes, separate them with commas

  • Time - show timings (1), or don’t (0, the default)

EntryLabel and EntryPointLabel are standard Python format strings. EntryLabel recognises the following replacement fields:

  • address - the address of the routine or data block as it appears in the skool file

  • location - the address of the routine or data block as an integer

EntryPointLabel recognises the following replacement fields:

  • address - the address of the instruction as it appears in the skool file

  • index - 0 for the first unlabelled instruction in the routine or data block, 1 for the second, etc.

  • location - the address of the instruction as an integer

  • main - the label of the first instruction in the routine or data block

Configuration parameters must appear in a [skool2html] section. For example, to make skool2html.py use ASM labels and write the disassembly in hexadecimal by default (without having to use the -H and -a options on the command line), add the following section to skoolkit.ini:

[skool2html]
AsmLabels=1
Base=16

Configuration parameters may also be set on the command line by using the --ini option. Parameter values set this way will override any found in skoolkit.ini.

Version

Changes

8.7

Added the --rebuild-audio option and the RebuildAudio configuration parameter

8.5

Added the EntryLabel and EntryPointLabel configuration parameters

7.0

Writes a single disassembly from the skool file given by the first positional argument

6.4

Added the --var option

6.2

Added the --show-config option

6.1

Configuration is read from skoolkit.ini if present; added the --ini option

5.4

Added the --asm-one-page option

5.0

The --theme option also looks for a CSS file whose base name matches the theme name

4.1

Added the --search and --writer options

4.0

Added the --ref-sections and --ref-file options

3.6

Added the --join-css and --search-dirs options

3.5

Added support for multiple CSS themes

3.4

Added the -a and -C options and the long options

3.3.2

Added $PACKAGE_DIR/resources to the search path; added the -p and -T options

3.2

Added ~/.skoolkit to the search path

3.1

Added the -c option

3.0.2

No longer shows timings by default; added the -t option

2.3.1

Added support for reading multiple ref files per disassembly

2.2.2

Added the ability to read a skool file from standard input

2.2

No longer writes the Skool Daze and Back to Skool disassemblies by default; added the -d option

2.1.1

Added the -l, -u, -D and -H options

2.1

Added the -o and -P options

1.4

Added the -V option

sna2ctl.py

sna2ctl.py generates a control file for a binary (raw memory) file or a SNA, SZX or Z80 snapshot. For example:

$ sna2ctl.py game.z80 > game.ctl

Now game.ctl can be used by sna2skool.py to convert game.z80 into a skool file split into blocks of code and data.

sna2ctl.py supports several options; run it with no arguments to see a list:

usage: sna2ctl.py [options] FILE

Generate a control file for a binary (raw memory) file or a SNA, SZX or Z80
snapshot. FILE may be a regular file, or '-' for standard input.

Options:
  -e ADDR, --end ADDR   Stop at this address (default=65536).
  -h, --hex             Write upper case hexadecimal addresses.
  -I p=v, --ini p=v     Set the value of the configuration parameter 'p' to
                        'v'. This option may be used multiple times.
  -l, --hex-lower       Write lower case hexadecimal addresses.
  -m FILE, --map FILE   Use FILE as a code execution map.
  -o ADDR, --org ADDR   Specify the origin address of a binary file (default:
                        65536 - length).
  -p PAGE, --page PAGE  Specify the page (0-7) of a 128K snapshot to map to
                        49152-65535.
  --show-config         Show configuration parameter values.
  -s ADDR, --start ADDR
                        Start at this address.
  -V, --version         Show SkoolKit version number and exit.

If the input filename does not end with ‘.sna’, ‘.szx’ or ‘.z80’, it is assumed to be a binary file.

The -m option may be used to specify a code execution map to use when generating a control file. The supported file formats are:

  • Profiles created by the Fuse emulator

  • Code execution logs created by the SpecEmu, Spud and Zero emulators

  • Map files created by the SpecEmu and Z80 emulators

If the file specified by the -m option is 8192 bytes long, it is assumed to be a Z80 map file; if it is 65536 bytes long, it is assumed to be a SpecEmu map file; otherwise it is assumed to be in one of the other supported formats.

Configuration

sna2ctl.py will read configuration from a file named skoolkit.ini in the current working directory or in ~/.skoolkit, if present. The recognised configuration parameters are:

  • Dictionary - the name of a file containing a list of allowed words, one per line; if specified, a string of characters will be marked as text only if it contains at least one of the words in this file

  • Hex - write addresses in decimal (0, the default), lower case hexadecimal (1), or upper case hexadecimal (2)

  • TextChars - characters eligible for being marked as text (default: letters, digits, space, and the following non-alphanumeric characters: !"$%&\'()*+,-./:;<=>?[])

  • TextMinLengthCode - the minimum length of a string of characters eligible for being marked as text in a block identified as code (default: 12)

  • TextMinLengthData - the minimum length of a string of characters eligible for being marked as text in a block identified as data (default: 3)

Configuration parameters must appear in a [sna2ctl] section. For example, to make sna2ctl.py write upper case hexadecimal addresses by default (without having to use the -h option on the command line), add the following section to skoolkit.ini:

[sna2ctl]
Hex=2

Configuration parameters may also be set on the command line by using the --ini option. Parameter values set this way will override any found in skoolkit.ini.

Version

Changes

7.2

Added the Dictionary configuration parameter

7.1

Configuration is read from skoolkit.ini if present; added the --ini and --show-config options

7.0

New

sna2img.py

sna2img.py converts the screenshot or other graphic data in a binary (raw memory) file, SCR file, skool file, or SNA/SZX/Z80 snapshot into a PNG file. For example:

$ sna2img.py game.scr

will create a file named game.png.

To list the options supported by sna2img.py, run it with no arguments:

usage: sna2img.py [options] INPUT [OUTPUT]

Convert a Spectrum screenshot or other graphic data into a PNG file. INPUT may
be a binary (raw memory) file, a SCR file, a skool file, or a SNA, SZX or Z80
snapshot.

Options:
  -b, --bfix            Parse a skool file in @bfix mode.
  -B, --binary          Read the input as a binary (raw memory) file.
  -e MACRO, --expand MACRO
                        Expand a #FONT, #SCR, #UDG or #UDGARRAY macro. The '#'
                        prefix may be omitted.
  -f N, --flip N        Flip the image horizontally (N=1), vertically (N=2),
                        or both (N=3).
  -i, --invert          Invert video for cells that are flashing.
  -m src,size,dest, --move src,size,dest
                        Move a block of bytes of the given size from src to
                        dest. This option may be used multiple times.
  -n, --no-animation    Do not animate flashing cells.
  -o X,Y, --origin X,Y  Top-left crop at (X,Y).
  -O ORG, --org ORG     Set the origin address of a binary file (default:
                        65536 minus the length of the file).
  -p a[-b[-c]],[^+]v, --poke a[-b[-c]],[^+]v
                        POKE N,v for N in {a, a+c, a+2c..., b}. Prefix 'v'
                        with '^' to perform an XOR operation, or '+' to
                        perform an ADD operation. This option may be used
                        multiple times.
  -r N, --rotate N      Rotate the image 90*N degrees clockwise.
  -s SCALE, --scale SCALE
                        Set the scale of the image (default=1).
  -S WxH, --size WxH    Crop to this width and height (in tiles).
  -V, --version         Show SkoolKit version number and exit.

Version

Changes

6.2

Added the --binary and --org options and the ability to read binary (raw memory) files; the --move and --poke options accept hexadecimal integers prefixed by ‘0x’

6.1

Added the ability to read skool files; added the --bfix and --move options

6.0

Added the --expand option

5.4

New

sna2skool.py

sna2skool.py converts a binary (raw memory) file or a SNA, SZX or Z80 snapshot into a skool file. For example:

$ sna2skool.py game.z80 > game.skool

Now game.skool can be converted into a browsable HTML disassembly using skool2html.py, or into an assembler-ready ASM file using skool2asm.py.

sna2skool.py supports several options; run it with no arguments to see a list:

usage: sna2skool.py [options] FILE

Convert a binary (raw memory) file or a SNA, SZX or Z80 snapshot into a skool
file. FILE may be a regular file, or '-' for standard input.

Options:
  -c PATH, --ctl PATH   Specify a control file to use, or a directory from
                        which to read control files. PATH may be '-' for
                        standard input, or '0' to use no control file. This
                        option may be used multiple times.
  -d SIZE, --defb SIZE  Disassemble as DEFB statements of this size.
  -e ADDR, --end ADDR   Stop disassembling at this address (default=65536).
  -H, --hex             Write hexadecimal addresses and operands in the
                        disassembly.
  -I p=v, --ini p=v     Set the value of the configuration parameter 'p' to
                        'v'. This option may be used multiple times.
  -l, --lower           Write the disassembly in lower case.
  -o ADDR, --org ADDR   Specify the origin address of a binary (.bin) file
                        (default: 65536 - length).
  -p PAGE, --page PAGE  Specify the page (0-7) of a 128K snapshot to map to
                        49152-65535.
  --show-config         Show configuration parameter values.
  -s ADDR, --start ADDR
                        Start disassembling at this address.
  -V, --version         Show SkoolKit version number and exit.
  -w W, --line-width W  Set the maximum line width of the skool file (default:
                        79).

If the input filename does not end with ‘.sna’, ‘.szx’ or ‘.z80’, it is assumed to be a binary file.

By default, any files whose names start with the input filename (minus the ‘.bin’, ‘.sna’, ‘.szx’ or ‘.z80’ suffix, if any) and end with ‘.ctl’ will be used as control files.

Configuration

sna2skool.py will read configuration from a file named skoolkit.ini in the current working directory or in ~/.skoolkit, if present. The recognised configuration parameters are:

  • Base - write addresses and instruction operands in hexadecimal (16) or decimal (10, the default)

  • Case - write the disassembly in lower case (1) or upper case (2, the default)

  • CommentWidthMin - minimum width of the instruction comment field in the skool file (default: 10)

  • DefbSize - maximum number of bytes in a DEFB statement (default: 8)

  • DefmSize - maximum number of characters in a DEFM statement (default: 65)

  • DefwSize - maximum number of words in a DEFW statement (default: 1)

  • EntryPointRef - template used to format the comment for an entry point with exactly one referrer (default: This entry point is used by the routine at {ref}.)

  • EntryPointRefs - template used to format the comment for an entry point with two or more referrers (default: This entry point is used by the routines at {refs} and {ref}.)

  • InstructionWidth - minimum width of the instruction field in the skool file (default: 13)

  • LineWidth - maximum line width of the skool file (default: 79)

  • ListRefs - when to add a comment that lists routine or entry point referrers: never (0), if no other comment is defined at the entry point (1, the default), or always (2)

  • Ref - template used to format the comment for a routine with exactly one referrer (default: Used by the routine at {ref}.)

  • RefFormat - template used to format referrers in the {ref} and {refs} fields of the Ref and Refs templates (default: #R{address}); the replacement field address is the address of the referrer formatted as a decimal or hexadecimal number in accordance with the Base and Case configuration parameters

  • Refs - template used to format the comment for a routine with two or more referrers (default: Used by the routines at {refs} and {ref}.)

  • Semicolons - block types (b, c, g, i, s, t, u, w) in which comment semicolons are written for instructions that have no comment (default: c)

  • Text - show ASCII text in the comment fields (1), or don’t (0, the default)

  • Timings - show instruction timings in the comment fields (1), or don’t (0, the default)

  • Title-b - template used to format the title for an untitled ‘b’ block (default: Data block at {address})

  • Title-c - template used to format the title for an untitled ‘c’ block (default: Routine at {address})

  • Title-g - template used to format the title for an untitled ‘g’ block (default: Game status buffer entry at {address})

  • Title-i - template used to format the title for an untitled ‘i’ block (default: Ignored)

  • Title-s - template used to format the title for an untitled ‘s’ block (default: Unused)

  • Title-t - template used to format the title for an untitled ‘t’ block (default: Message at {address})

  • Title-u - template used to format the title for an untitled ‘u’ block (default: Unused)

  • Title-w - template used to format the title for an untitled ‘w’ block (default: Data block at {address})

  • Wrap - disassemble an instruction that wraps around the 64K boundary (1), or don’t (0, the default)

Configuration parameters must appear in a [sna2skool] section. For example, to make sna2skool.py generate hexadecimal skool files with a line width of 120 characters by default (without having to use the -H and -w options on the command line), add the following section to skoolkit.ini:

[sna2skool]
Base=16
LineWidth=120

Configuration parameters may also be set on the command line by using the --ini option. Parameter values set this way will override any found in skoolkit.ini.

Version

Changes

8.7

Added the --defb option and the Timings configuration parameter

8.5

Added the Wrap configuration parameter and the ability to disassemble an instruction that wraps around the 64K boundary; added the RefFormat configuration parameter

8.4

Changed the default value of the DefmSize configuration parameter from 66 to 65

8.3

Added support for reading control files from a directory (--ctl DIR)

8.1

Added support for ignoring default control files (--ctl 0)

8.0

Added the DefwSize configuration parameter

7.1

Added support for reading multiple default control files, and for using the --ctl option multiple times; added the CommentWidthMin, InstructionWidth and Semicolons configuration parameters

7.0

The short option for --lower is -l; the long option for -H is --hex

6.2

Added the --show-config option; the --end, --org and --start options accept a hexadecimal integer prefixed by ‘0x’

6.1

Configuration is read from skoolkit.ini if present; added the --ini option

4.4

Added the --end option

4.3

Added the --line-width option

3.4

Added the -V option and the long options, and the ability to add a comment listing referrers at every routine entry point

3.3

Added the ability to read 128K SNA snapshots

3.2

Added the -p option, and the ability to read SZX snapshots and 128K Z80 snapshots

2.1.2

Added the ability to write the disassembly in lower case

2.1

Added the -H option

2.0.1

Added the -o option, and the ability to read binary files, to set the maximum number of characters in a DEFM statement, and to suppress comments that list routine entry point referrers

2.0

Added the ability to set the maximum number of bytes in a DEFB statement

1.0.5

Added the ability to show ASCII text in comment fields

1.0.4

Added the -s option

snapinfo.py

snapinfo.py shows information on the registers or RAM in a binary (raw memory) file or a SNA, SZX or Z80 snapshot. For example:

$ snapinfo.py game.z80

To list the options supported by snapinfo.py, run it with no arguments:

usage: snapinfo.py [options] file

Analyse a binary (raw memory) file or a SNA, SZX or Z80 snapshot.

Options:
  -b, --basic           List the BASIC program.
  -c PATH, --ctl PATH   When generating a call graph, specify a control file
                        to use, or a directory from which to read control
                        files. PATH may be '-' for standard input. This option
                        may be used multiple times.
  -f A[,B...[-M[-N]]], --find A[,B...[-M[-N]]]
                        Search for the byte sequence A,B... with distance
                        ranging from M to N (default=1) between bytes.
  -g, --call-graph      Generate a call graph in DOT format.
  -I p=v, --ini p=v     Set the value of the configuration parameter 'p' to
                        'v'. This option may be used multiple times.
  -o ADDR, --org ADDR   Specify the origin address of a binary (raw memory)
                        file (default: 65536 - length).
  -p A[-B[-C]], --peek A[-B[-C]]
                        Show the contents of addresses A TO B STEP C. This
                        option may be used multiple times.
  -P PAGE, --page PAGE  Specify the page (0-7) of a 128K snapshot to map to
                        49152-65535.
  --show-config         Show configuration parameter values.
  -t TEXT, --find-text TEXT
                        Search for a text string.
  -T X,Y[-M[-N]], --find-tile X,Y[-M[-N]]
                        Search for the graphic data of the tile at (X,Y) with
                        distance ranging from M to N (default=1) between
                        bytes.
  -v, --variables       List variables.
  -V, --version         Show SkoolKit version number and exit.
  -w A[-B[-C]], --word A[-B[-C]]
                        Show the words at addresses A TO B STEP C. This option
                        may be used multiple times.

With no options, snapinfo.py displays register values, the interrupt mode, and the border colour. By using one of the options shown above, it can list the BASIC program and variables (if present), show the contents of a range of addresses, search the RAM for a sequence of byte values or a text string, or generate a call graph.

Call graphs

snapinfo.py can generate a call graph in DOT format from a snapshot and a corresponding control file. For example, if game.ctl is present alongside game.z80, then:

$ snapinfo.py -g game.z80 > game.dot

will produce a call graph in game.dot, with a node for each routine declared in game.ctl, and an edge between two nodes whenever the routine represented by the first node calls, jumps to, or continues into the routine represented by the second node.

To create a PNG image file named game.png from game.dot, the dot utility (included in Graphviz) may be used:

$ dot -Tpng game.dot > game.png

A call graph may contain one or more ‘orphans’, an orphan being a node that is not at the head of any arrow, and thus represents a routine that is (as far as snapinfo.py can tell) not used by any other routines. To declare the callers of such a routine (in case it is not a true orphan), the @refs directive may be used.

To help identify orphan nodes and missing edges, each of the first three lines of the DOT file produced by snapinfo.py contains a list of IDs of the following types of node:

  • unconnected nodes

  • orphan nodes connected to other nodes

  • non-orphan nodes whose first instruction is not used

The appearance of nodes and edges in a call graph image can be configured via the EdgeAttributes, GraphAttributes, NodeAttributes and NodeLabel configuration parameters (see below).

Configuration

snapinfo.py will read configuration from a file named skoolkit.ini in the current working directory or in ~/.skoolkit, if present. The recognised configuration parameters are:

  • EdgeAttributes - the default attributes for edges in a call graph (default: none)

  • GraphAttributes - the default attributes for a call graph (default: none)

  • NodeAttributes - the default attributes for nodes in a call graph (default: shape=record)

  • NodeId - the format of the node IDs in a call graph (default: {address})

  • NodeLabel - the format of the node labels in a call graph (default: "{address} {address:04X}\n{label}")

  • Peek - the format of each line of the output produced by the --peek option (default: {address:>5} {address:04X}: {value:>3}  {value:02X}  {value:08b}  {char})

  • Word - the format of each line of the output produced by the --word option (default: {address:>5} {address:04X}: {value:>5}  {value:04X})

NodeId and NodeLabel are standard Python format strings that recognise the replacement fields address and label (the address and label of the first instruction in the routine represented by the node).

Configuration parameters must appear in a [snapinfo] section. For example, to make snapinfo.py use open arrowheads and a cyan background colour in call graphs by default, add the following section to skoolkit.ini:

[snapinfo]
EdgeAttributes=arrowhead=open
GraphAttributes=bgcolor=cyan

Configuration parameters may also be set on the command line by using the --ini option. Parameter values set this way will override any found in skoolkit.ini.

Version

Changes

8.4

Added the Peek and Word configuration parameters

8.3

Added support for reading control files from a directory (--ctl DIR)

8.2

Configuration is read from skoolkit.ini if present; added the ability to read binary files; added the --call-graph, --ctl, --ini, --org, --page and --show-config options

6.2

The --find, --find-tile, --peek and --word options accept hexadecimal integers prefixed by ‘0x’

6.0

Added support to the --find option for distance ranges; added the --find-tile and --word options; the --peek option shows UDGs and BASIC tokens

5.4

Added the --variables option; UDGs in a BASIC program are shown as special symbols (e.g. {UDG-A})

5.3

New

snapmod.py

snapmod.py modifies the registers and RAM in a 48K Z80 snapshot. For example:

$ snapmod.py --poke 32768,0 game.z80 poked.z80

To list the options supported by snapmod.py, run it with no arguments:

usage: snapmod.py [options] in.z80 [out.z80]

Modify a 48K Z80 snapshot.

Options:
  -f, --force           Overwrite an existing snapshot.
  -m src,size,dest, --move src,size,dest
                        Move a block of bytes of the given size from src to
                        dest. This option may be used multiple times.
  -p a[-b[-c]],[^+]v, --poke a[-b[-c]],[^+]v
                        POKE N,v for N in {a, a+c, a+2c..., b}. Prefix 'v'
                        with '^' to perform an XOR operation, or '+' to
                        perform an ADD operation. This option may be used
                        multiple times.
  -r name=value, --reg name=value
                        Set the value of a register. Do '--reg help' for more
                        information. This option may be used multiple times.
  -s name=value, --state name=value
                        Set a hardware state attribute. Do '--state help' for
                        more information. This option may be used multiple
                        times.
  -V, --version         Show SkoolKit version number and exit.

Version

Changes

6.2

The --move, --poke and --reg options accept hexadecimal integers prefixed by ‘0x’

5.3

New

tap2sna.py

tap2sna.py converts a TAP or TZX file (which may be inside a zip archive) into a Z80 snapshot. For example:

$ tap2sna.py game.tap game.z80

To list the options supported by tap2sna.py, run it with no arguments:

usage:
  tap2sna.py [options] INPUT snapshot.z80
  tap2sna.py @FILE

Convert a TAP or TZX file (which may be inside a zip archive) into a Z80
snapshot. INPUT may be the full URL to a remote zip archive or TAP/TZX file,
or the path to a local file. Arguments may be read from FILE instead of (or as
well as) being given on the command line.

Options:
  -d DIR, --output-dir DIR
                        Write the snapshot file in this directory.
  -f, --force           Overwrite an existing snapshot.
  -p STACK, --stack STACK
                        Set the stack pointer.
  --ram OPERATION       Perform a load operation or otherwise modify the
                        memory snapshot being built. Do '--ram help' for more
                        information. This option may be used multiple times.
  --reg name=value      Set the value of a register. Do '--reg help' for more
                        information. This option may be used multiple times.
  -s START, --start START
                        Set the start address to JP to.
  --sim-load            Simulate a 48K ZX Spectrum running LOAD "".
  --state name=value    Set a hardware state attribute. Do '--state help' for
                        more information. This option may be used multiple
                        times.
  -u AGENT, --user-agent AGENT
                        Set the User-Agent header.
  -V, --version         Show SkoolKit version number and exit.

Note that support for TZX files is limited to block types 0x10 (standard speed data), 0x11 (turbo speed data) and 0x14 (pure data).

By default, tap2sna.py loads bytes from every data block on the tape, using the start address given in the corresponding header. For tapes that contain headerless data blocks, headers with incorrect start addresses, or irrelevant blocks, the --ram option can be used to load bytes from specific blocks at the appropriate addresses. For example:

$ tap2sna.py --ram load=3,30000 game.tzx game.z80

loads the third block on the tape at address 30000, and ignores all other blocks. (To see information on the blocks in a TAP or TZX file, use the tapinfo.py command.)

An alternative to the --ram load approach is the --sim-load option. It simulates a freshly booted 48K ZX Spectrum running LOAD “” (or LOAD “”CODE, if the first block on the tape is a ‘Bytes’ header). Whenever the Spectrum ROM’s load routine at $0556 is called, a shortcut is taken by fast loading the next block on the tape. All other code (including any custom loader) is fully simulated. Simulation continues until the program counter hits the start address given by the --start option, or 10 minutes of simulated Z80 CPU time has elapsed, or the end of the tape is reached and one of the following conditions is satisfied:

  • a custom loader was detected

  • the program counter hits an address outside the ROM

  • more than one second of simulated Z80 CPU time has elapsed since the end of the tape was reached

The simulation can also be aborted by pressing Ctrl-C. When a simulated LOAD has completed or been aborted, the values of the registers (including the program counter) in the simulator are used to populate the Z80 snapshot.

In addition to loading specific blocks, the --ram option can also be used to move blocks of bytes from one location to another, POKE values into individual addresses or address ranges, modify memory with XOR and ADD operations, initialise the system variables, or call a Python function to modify the memory snapshot in an arbitrary way before it is saved. For more information on these operations, run:

$ tap2sna.py --ram help

For complex snapshots that require many options to build, it may be more convenient to store the arguments to tap2sna.py in a file. For example, if the file game.t2s has the following contents:

;
; tap2sna.py file for GAME
;
http://example.com/pub/games/GAME.zip
game.z80
--ram load=4,32768         # Load the fourth block at 32768
--ram move=40960,512,43520 # Move 40960-41471 to 43520-44031
--ram call=:ram.modify     # Call modify(snapshot) in ./ram.py
--ram sysvars              # Initialise the system variables
--state iff=0              # Disable interrupts
--stack 32768              # Stack at 32768
--start 34816              # Start at 34816

then:

$ tap2sna.py @game.t2s

will create game.z80 as if the arguments specified in game.t2s had been given on the command line.

Version

Changes

8.7

Added the --sim-load option; when a headerless block is ignored because no --ram load options have been specified, a warning is printed

8.6

Added support to the --ram option for the call operation

8.4

Added support to the --ram option for the sysvars operation

6.3

Added the --user-agent option

6.2

The --ram, --reg, --stack and --start options accept hexadecimal integers prefixed by ‘0x’

5.3

Added the --stack and --start options

4.5

Added support for TZX block type 0x14 (pure data), for loading the first and last bytes of a tape block, and for modifying memory with XOR and ADD operations

3.5

New

tapinfo.py

tapinfo.py shows information on the blocks in a TAP or TZX file. For example:

$ tapinfo.py game.tzx

To list the options supported by tapinfo.py, run it with no arguments:

usage: tapinfo.py FILE

Show the blocks in a TAP or TZX file.

Options:
  -b IDs, --tzx-blocks IDs
                        Show TZX blocks with these IDs only. 'IDs' is a comma-
                        separated list of hexadecimal block IDs, e.g.
                        10,11,2a.
  -B N[,A], --basic N[,A]
                        List the BASIC program in block N loaded at address A
                        (default 23755).
  -d, --data            Show the entire contents of header and data blocks.
  -V, --version         Show SkoolKit version number and exit.

Version

Changes

8.3

Added the --data option

8.1

Shows contents of TZX block types 0x33 (hardware type) and 0x35 (custom info)

7.1

Shows pulse lengths in TZX block type 0x13 and full info for TZX block type 0x14

6.2

The --basic option accepts a hexadecimal address prefixed by ‘0x’

6.0

Added the --basic option

5.0

New