xa ☆

« Back to VersTracker

Description:
6502 cross assembler

Type: Formula | Tracked Since: Dec 28, 2025

Links: Homepage | formulae.brew.sh

Category: Developer tools

Tags: assembler 6502 retrocomputing cross-compiler development

Install: brew install xa

About:
Xa is a lightweight and portable 6502 cross assembler written in C. It compiles assembly source code into object files for various 6502-based systems, including the Commodore 64, Apple II, and Atari. Its main value proposition is its speed, small footprint, and ability to run on modern systems, making it ideal for retrocomputing enthusiasts and embedded developers.

Key Features:

Supports multiple 6502 output formats (CBM, OMF, etc.)
Fast compilation and low resource usage
Cross-platform (runs on Linux, macOS, Windows)
Comprehensive macro support

Use Cases:

Developing software for vintage 8-bit computers
Compiling assembly code for embedded 6502 projects
Creating ROMs and disk images for retro gaming emulators

Alternatives:

dasm – dasm is another popular multi-platform assembler with broader architecture support, while xa is specifically optimized for the 6502.
ca65 – ca65 is part of the cc65 suite and offers more complex features, whereas xa is simpler and more lightweight.

Version History

Detected	Version	Rev	Change	Commit
Sep 11, 2025 12:58am		0	VERSION_BUMP	842b89ec