How to Set Up and Run COAL Code Using DOSBox and AFD Debugger

Introduction:

• Briefly explain what COAL code is and why DOSBox and AFD Debugger are essential tools for running it on modern systems.
• Mention that DOSBox emulates DOS, which is needed for running 16-bit programs like the AFD Debugger, while AFD helps debug and test assembly code.

Step 1: Setting Up DOSBox

1. Download and Install DOSBox:

• Provide a link to the official DOSBox website and briefly explain the installation process for Windows/Linux/Mac.

2. Create a Working Directory:

• Create a folder on your PC (e.g., C:\dosprog) to store the COAL code and AFD Debugger.

3. Configure DOSBox:

• Open the dosbox.conf file (found in the DOSBox directory).
• Edit the [autoexec] section to automatically mount your working directory:
• [autoexec] mount c c:\dosprog c:
• Save the file and restart DOSBox.

Step 2: Installing AFD Debugger

1. Download AFD Debugger:

• Provide a link to download the AFD Debugger (you might need to upload it or link to a trusted source).

2. Copy AFD to Working Directory:

• Move the AFD executable into the working directory you created (e.g., C:\dosprog).

3. Test the Setup:

• Run DOSBox, navigate to the working directory, and execute afd.exe to verify the installation.
• c:> afd.exe

Step 3: Writing COAL Code

1. Create a COAL Assembly File:

• Write a sample COAL code file using a text editor (e.g., hello.asm) that starts with [org 0x0100] since you prefer minimal directives.
• Example:

2. Assembling and runing Code on AFD debugger:

• Use an assembler (e.g., tasm) to convert the .asm file to an executable.

3. Visualizing Output of the Code:

4. Conclusion:

. We write a code and then run on afd debugger and visualize our output.