VM8 Studio

Icaro Ramos

About this app

Explore how a processor works, one instruction at a time.

VM8 Studio is an offline Assembly editor, assembler and debugger for a virtual 8-bit microcontroller. Write a program, translate it into bytes, and follow its execution in the same app. No computer, external assembler, account or Internet connection is required for local work.

Write with less typing
Use syntax colors, line numbers, instruction templates, contextual suggestions and quick punctuation keys. Indent, duplicate or comment lines, undo changes, and look up an instruction without leaving the editor. The keyboard is asked to use capitals while preserving the spelling of your symbols and imported source.

See what your program does
Assemble, run, pause, step and reset. Follow the highlighted next instruction, set breakpoints, inspect registers and flags, and explore all 256 addresses. Compare the assembled bytecode with live memory and follow the instruction trace.

Experiment with a small CPU
Work with two 8-bit registers, arithmetic and bitwise operations, conditional branches, subroutines, a bounded stack, and virtual input/output ports. The program and data area holds 238 bytes. A configurable virtual clock converts instruction cycles into simulated time; real elapsed time is shown separately.

Learn from working examples
Start with a memory-transfer example or a program that counts set bits. Search the built-in instruction reference for syntax, opcodes, effects, flags and practical examples. The complete system guide is available offline.

Keep your files
Open and save UTF-8 Assembly source through Android's document picker. Export raw VM8 binary files. A private recovery draft helps preserve editing progress; save separate source files before uninstalling or clearing app storage.

Free. No ads. No in-app purchases. No developer analytics or account registration.

VM8 is a custom educational instruction set, not ARM, x86, AVR or a physical microcontroller. Exported binaries run on VM8, not directly on your phone's processor. The clock model counts one cycle per attempted instruction and is not a hardware timing benchmark. Cloud-backed document providers may require their own Internet connection.

Supports Android 8.0 or newer on compatible 64-bit ARM and x86-64 devices. The interface and reference are in English.

Developed by Icaro Ramos Rodrigues dos Santos.
GitHub: https://github.com/IcaroRamosDM

What’s new

First Android release of VM8 Studio.

Write and assemble VM8 programs offline. Run, step and debug with execution highlighting, breakpoints, CPU/memory views and traces. Use instruction templates, suggestions and editing shortcuts. Open/save source, export bytecode, recover a local draft and explore complete help, examples and a privacy policy.