# Hand BASIC - CBM Flavor — BASIC Language

> BASIC programming language interpreter for mobile devices, CBM flavor. (iPhone/iPad app by Ahmad Hawwash.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hand-basic-cbm-flavor/id394924289 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Ahmad Hawwash](https://appshunter.io/developer/382404352)
- Category: Education, Productivity
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.40/5 from 45 App Store ratings · 103 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 11.0 · 2 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2010-10-06
- Data updated: 2026-06-11
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hand-basic-cbm-flavor/id394924289/reviews.md

## What is Hand BASIC?

Learn and Program BASIC Language on your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad! 

Hand BASIC - CBM Flavor is a compatible version of Commodore's version of Microsoft BASIC 6502 as found on the Commodore 64. 

Released for Educational purposes. 

BASIC (Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code) is a computer language designed so that it can be learned very easily. 

Hand BASIC users could be students, scientists, or any productivity workers. 

Type HELP to get started! 

*** Credits for CBMBASIC go to Michael Steil and James Abbatiello *** 

Features 
+ Compatible with Commodore 64 BASIC V2 
+ It is not emulated, it runs with your device full speed 
+ The ability to LOAD/SAVE files (case sensitive file names) 
+ File I/O Support (Read/Write data files) 
+ Full featured iPhone Text Editor to build your programs 
+ The ability to make directories ** NEW **
+ Provided with helpful Direct Mode Commands (nonstandard, see support webpage) 
+ Renumber your program, plus other helpful file keeping functionality
+ Alert Sounds
+ In App Help (type HELP) 
+ Portrait/Landscape Views 
+ Supplied with Sample code (type FILES to see list). 

Now available through In-App Purchase: 
Graphics Extension: Empowers you to create complex graphics from simple graphic objects 
Features
+ Draw simple graphic objects: lines, rectangles, circles, text, ... 
+ Draw at the super speed of your device
+ Make animations
+ Use Graphics Macro Language (GML) to draw objects 
+ Define your colors with alpha channel (32bit color with transparency) 
+ Select your drawn text font face and size 
+ Interact with user taps
+ Assistant for typing Graphic Commands
+ Enables you to run included Graphic Sample Programs(10 samples) 

To find more details type HELP then select Graphics Extension Reference 

To open Graphics Extension Purchase Screen: 
- Type: PURCHASE 
- Type: ACTION then select Purchase 
- Or, run a program that uses Graphics 

Make sure to check out App Blog Page:
cbmhandbasic.blogspot.com

Please Note: 
- This is not Commodore 64 emulator. It is “Standalone” BASIC of Commodore 64. 
- Basic knowledge of Commodore 64 BASIC V2 is needed to use this App or just Read FAQ's. 
- While BASIC requires all commands to be capitalized (Lock Caps by double taping), commands will be automatically capitalized 
- Since this is not Commodore emulator, PEEK/POKE does not work. See New Commands for alternatives
- Only ASCII characters are supported 
- iPad has different Graphics Extension than ordinary one (sold separately)


Visit "Hawwash-Soft" page on iTunes for more Free App's 

Have Fun!

## Key features

- Commodore 64 BASIC V2 compatible
- Full-speed execution on device
- Load/save files with directory creation
- Full-featured iPhone text editor
- Optional graphics extension with GML
- In-app help and sample code

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Graphics Extension | $9.99 | one-time |
| Graphics Extension for iPad | $9.99 | one-time |


## What do users think of Hand BASIC?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 👍 Faithful C64 BASIC implementation
- 🎮 Nostalgic and fun retro experience
- 📚 Comprehensive documentation and help resources
- ⚡ Fast execution compared to original hardware
- 💾 Save and load functionality works reliably
- 🎓 Great for learning programming basics
- 🆓 Free app with optional paid graphics extension
- 📱 Works well on iPhone and iPad
- ✏️ Line editing similar to original BASIC
- 🎨 Graphics extension adds creative possibilities

**Cons**

- 🐛 Infinite loops cause app to hang with no break mechanism
- ⌨️ On-screen keyboard difficult to use on iPad
- 📋 No copy/paste functionality in older versions
- 🔧 Missing PEEK and POKE commands
- ❌ Cannot delete unwanted programs
- 📖 Help/FAQ pages no longer available online
- 🎮 Graphics mode disappears quickly (SCREEN 1 issue)
- 🔤 Blue cursor invisible on blue background
- 💰 Graphics extension requires paid upgrade
- ⚙️ Doesn't support abbreviated commands
- 🚫 No Run/Stop button to interrupt execution
- 📁 File access requires exact quotation marks and case sensitivity
- 🖥️ Limited support for advanced BASIC features

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Infinite loops freeze the app with no way to stop execution
- Graphics mode (SCREEN 1) pops up briefly then disappears
- On-screen keyboard functions dance around screen on iPad with external keyboard
- Low Power Mode cuts program speed in half on iPhone
- Program runs original version instead of edited version
- Syntax errors on valid BASIC commands
- Copy/paste of programs doesn't work properly
- Line editing requires retyping entire lines for corrections
- Help and FAQ pages no longer accessible
- Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions
- Graphics extension removed in updates, requiring repurchase

**Most requested features**

- Run/Stop button to break out of infinite loops
- Bluetooth keyboard support
- Changeable font options
- Copy/paste functionality
- PEEK and POKE command support
- Ability to delete programs
- Print AT function for neater output
- INPUT command support
- Web service integration
- Files app integration
- PC version of the app
- Compiler for standalone app creation
- Import/export .BAS files
- Full C64 character set support
- Cursor color customization
- Function keys and CTRL support

## Recent user reviews (10 of 103)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hand-basic-cbm-flavor/id394924289/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Change Program

*2026-05-07, version 1.7.6*

Cash Register

### 5/5 — Works great, fun to use

*2025-04-30, version 1.7.6*

This app works great and is fun to use. After downloading it, I got a used Commodore 64 BASIC book (by Carl Shipman, copyright 1983) from Amazon, since I didn't know BASIC. The app itself has a lot of helpful documentation. I've been learning a lot working my way through the book and am really enjoying using the app. So far I've had no problems with the app at all.

### 4/5 — Loads of BASIC fun

*2025-03-26, version 1.7.6*

While this app does what it says and allows for a lot of fun being creative with old-school BASIC, when used on an iPAD with a Logitech keyboard attached, I don’t know what it’s called but the on-screen functions for different keyboard operations danced around on screen making the experience super annoying.  Can this be fixed?

### 5/5 — Works Great

*2024-07-20, version 1.7.6*

Great app.  Allows me to accomplish most math programming on my phone without learning new languages and using large resources on a PC.

### 1/5 — What happened to the help faq, graphics ext pages?

*2023-12-04, version 1.7.5*

App is obsolete. Help, faq … no longer work. Would suggest looking at other more current apps. 

Ihelp, faq, new features, graphics extension pages are no longer available online. What happened to them? 

I want to make local copies of them to prevent this issue I am experiencing now. The developer gave me copies but sadly he is no longer interested. In updating his app to current iOS standards.

### 3/5 — Won't delete

*2023-10-09, version 1.7.5*

Look, it's great and all, but it WON'T delete unwanted programs. That's the issue here.

### 1/5 — What happened to the help faq, graphics ext pages?

*2023-05-20*

It seems the help, faq, new features, graphics extension pages are no longer available online.

What happened to them? I want to make local copies of them to prevent this issue I am experiencing now.

### 5/5 — Great Job

*2023-01-18, version 1.7.5*

This does all the basics and works great, it will save your files and you can run them later. One person complained that they had to retype lines, all you have to do to make a change is list the line then move your cursor on the line make your changes and hit enter, just like the original basic. This has brought back a lot of great memories, thanks for creating this software.

### 5/5 — Impressive App

*2022-11-23, version 1.7.5*

App works really well, impressive that there is still support and upgrades from time to time.

I have been able to write solid C64 basic programs on the go on iPhone and iPad, which has been a blast. 

Thank you!

### 5/5 — Well Done!

*2022-10-03, version 1.7.5*

A fantastic app. I remember coding in the 70s and I’ve been missing it a lot. I have emulators for many of the older computers, but I wanted something I could noodle around on while sitting on the couch, and this makes that possible. Thanks for a great experience!

## Frequently asked questions about Hand BASIC

### What is Hand BASIC - CBM Flavor?

Hand BASIC - CBM Flavor is a standalone application that allows you to learn and program in the BASIC language on your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad. It is a compatible version of Commodore's 6502 Microsoft BASIC, as found on the Commodore 64, and is provided for educational purposes.

### What are the key features of this app?

Key features include compatibility with Commodore 64 BASIC V2, full-speed execution on your device, the ability to load/save files and create directories, a full-featured text editor for program building, and in-app help. An optional Graphics Extension is also available for creating complex graphics and animations.

### How much does Hand BASIC - CBM Flavor cost?

The core application is free to download and use. However, advanced features, such as the Graphics Extension, are available through in-app purchases. The pricing for these extensions can be found within the app itself.

### What devices is this app compatible with?

This app is designed for iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad devices. Please note that the Graphics Extension may differ for iPad compared to other devices and is sold separately.

### What are the common use cases for this app?

This app is ideal for educational purposes, allowing users to learn the BASIC programming language. It can also be used by scientists or productivity workers who need to write or run BASIC programs, especially those familiar with the Commodore 64 environment.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.7.6 — 2024-01-31

updated links

### 1.7.5 — 2020-04-13

Features:
- Print screen resolution & scale
- Peek screen resolution, scale and orientation
- Screen mode up to 3 (newer iPhones)

Bug Fixes:
- False repeated Touch Moved event in iPhone 6s
- Text safe area for notch iPhones
- Some broken links

make sure to check other free apps from Hawwash-Soft

### 1.7.4 — 2020-04-09

improved iOS 13 support
Please take a look at new App privacy policy on App Webpage.

### 1.7.3 — 2014-12-30

Minor changes and fixes

Make sure to check other free Apps from Hawwash-Soft

### 1.7.2 — 2014-11-26

- Fixed EDIT command issue
- Fixed "Undo" button issue (thanks to Marco Tiscali for pointing out this issue)

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All apps by Ahmad Hawwash: https://appshunter.io/developer/382404352

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-11.*