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Overview

The devcpc run command launches your project in RetroVirtualMachine emulator, supporting both DSK (disk) and CDT (tape) media with automatic detection and flexible override options.

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Syntax

devcpc run [options]

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Options

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--dsk
flag
Force execution from DSK (disk). Ignores RUN_MODE configuration.
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--cdt
flag
Force execution from CDT (tape). Ignores RUN_MODE configuration.

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Configuration

Configure in devcpc.conf: 
# Emulator path
RVM_PATH="/Applications/Retro Virtual Machine 2.app/Contents/MacOS/Retro Virtual Machine 2"

# CPC model (464, 664, or 6128)
CPC_MODEL=464

# File to auto-execute (DSK only)
RUN_FILE="8BP0.BIN"

# Execution mode: auto, dsk, or cdt
RUN_MODE="auto"

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Platform-Specific RVM_PATH

RVM_PATH="/Applications/Retro Virtual Machine 2.app/Contents/MacOS/Retro Virtual Machine 2"

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Execution Modes

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RUN_MODE: auto

Automatically detects which media to use:
  • If CDT and CDT_FILES are configured and CDT exists → uses CDT
  • Otherwise → uses DSK
RUN_MODE="auto"
devcpc run  # Auto-detects

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RUN_MODE: dsk

Always uses DSK (disk):
  • Mounts DSK image
  • Auto-executes RUN_FILE if configured
  • Direct file access
RUN_MODE="dsk"
devcpc run  # Always uses DSK

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RUN_MODE: cdt

Always uses CDT (tape):
  • Mounts CDT image
  • Auto-plays tape
  • Executes RUN"
  • Sequential loading
RUN_MODE="cdt"
devcpc run  # Always uses CDT

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Override Options

Command-line flags override RUN_MODE: 
# Force DSK (ignores RUN_MODE)
devcpc run --dsk

# Force CDT (ignores RUN_MODE)
devcpc run --cdt

# Use configured RUN_MODE
devcpc run

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DSK Execution

When running from DSK: 
# Command sent to emulator
-b cpc464 -i disk.dsk -c 'run"8BP0.BIN\n'
Behavior:
  • Mounts DSK as drive A:
  • Auto-executes RUN_FILE if configured
  • Fast random access to files
  • Works on all CPC models

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CDT Execution

When running from CDT:

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CPC 464 (Tape-only model)

# Command sent to emulator
-b cpc464 -i tape.cdt -c 'run"\n' -p
Behavior:
  • Mounts CDT as tape
  • -p flag auto-plays tape
  • Executes RUN"
  • Sequential loading from tape

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CPC 664/6128 (Disk models)

# Command sent to emulator
-b cpc6128 -i tape.cdt -c '|tape\nrun"\n' -p
Behavior:
  • Uses |TAPE command to switch from disk to tape
  • Then executes RUN"
  • -p flag auto-plays tape
  • Sequential loading from tape

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Output Example

═══════════════════════════════════════
  Ejecutar en RetroVirtualMachine
═══════════════════════════════════════

ℹ Emulador: /Applications/Retro Virtual Machine 2.app/Contents/MacOS/Retro Virtual Machine 2
ℹ Modelo:   464
ℹ Modo:     auto (DSK)
ℹ Archivo:  dist/mi-juego.dsk
ℹ Ejecutar: 8BP0.BIN

⚠ Cerrando sesión anterior de RetroVirtualMachine...

→ Iniciando emulador...
✓ RetroVirtualMachine iniciado

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Session Management

The command automatically:
  • Detects running RetroVirtualMachine sessions
  • Closes previous sessions
  • Launches new session with correct media
  • Runs in background

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Media Comparison

FeatureDSK (Disk)CDT (Tape)
SpeedFast (instant access)Slow (sequential)
LoadingDirect file accessMust load in order
AuthenticityModern conveniencePeriod-accurate
File OrderDoesn’t matterCritical
Auto-executeVia RUN_FILEVia RUN"
CPC ModelsAll modelsAll models (auto-adapts)

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Workflow Examples

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Quick Test (DSK)

devcpc build
devcpc run --dsk

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Tape Testing (CDT)

# Configure CDT in devcpc.conf
CDT="${PROJECT_NAME}.cdt"
CDT_FILES="loader.bas 8BP0.bin"

devcpc build
devcpc run --cdt

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Auto Mode

# Detects DSK or CDT automatically
RUN_MODE="auto"
devcpc build
devcpc run

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Development Loop

# Edit code
vim asm/make_all_mygame.asm

# Build and run
devcpc build && devcpc run

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Requirements

Important: Only RetroVirtualMachine v2.0 BETA-1 R7 (10/07/2019) is supported, as it’s the only version with development features enabled.Download from: RetroVirtualMachine

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Error Handling

# RVM_PATH not configured
devcpc run
# Error: RVM_PATH no está configurado en devcpc.conf

# Emulator not found
devcpc run
# Error: RetroVirtualMachine no encontrado en: /path/to/rvm

# DSK not found
devcpc run --dsk
# Error: DSK no encontrado: dist/project.dsk
# ℹ Ejecuta 'devcpc build' primero

# CDT not configured
devcpc run --cdt
# Error: CDT no encontrado: dist/project.cdt
# ℹ Configura CDT y CDT_FILES en devcpc.conf

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CPC Model Selection

Choose the appropriate model:
ModelTypeFeaturesUse Case
464Tape-only64KB RAM, no diskTape games, authentic experience
664Disk64KB RAM, disk driveDisk games, faster loading
6128Disk128KB RAM, disk driveAdvanced games, banking
# CPC 464
CPC_MODEL=464

# CPC 6128
CPC_MODEL=6128

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Background Execution

The emulator runs in background: 
devcpc run
# Emulator opens in new window
# Terminal remains available
To close: 
# Closes automatically on next run
devcpc run

# Or close manually
pkill -9 "Retro Virtual Machine"

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