docs(amiga): complete AmigaOS 3.1/3.2 developer reference — 172 files across 17 sections
Comprehensive technical documentation covering:
- Hardware: OCS/ECS/AGA custom chip registers, Copper & Blitter deep dives
- Boot sequence: cold boot through startup-sequence
- Binary format: HUNK executable spec, relocation, debug info
- Linking & ABI: .fd files, LVO tables, register calling conventions
- Exec kernel: tasks, interrupts, memory, signals, semaphores
- AmigaDOS: file I/O, FFS/OFS layout, CLI/Shell scripting
- Graphics: planar bitmaps, Copper programming, HAM/EHB modes
- Intuition: screens, windows, IDCMP, BOOPSI
- Devices: trackdisk, SCSI, serial, timer, audio, keyboard
- Libraries: utility, expansion, IFFParse, locale, ARexx
- Networking: bsdsocket API, SANA-II, TCP/IP stack comparison
- Toolchain: GCC, vasm/vlink, SAS/C, NDK, debugging
- Reverse engineering: IDA/Ghidra setup, compiler fingerprints, case studies
- CPU & MMU: 68040/060 emulation libs, PMMU, cache management
- Driver development: SANA-II, Picasso96/RTG, AHI audio
All files include breadcrumb navigation. No local paths or proprietary content.
2026-04-23 12:16:52 -04:00
[← Home ](../README.md )
# Reverse Engineering AmigaOS Binaries
## Overview
This section provides a systematic methodology for reverse engineering AmigaOS executables and shared libraries using IDA Pro (or Ghidra with the Amiga plugin), with focus on:
- Reconstructing the library JMP table
- Identifying compiler-specific code patterns
- Understanding the exec/dos calling convention at the assembly level
- Tracing library patches (SetFunction)
- Case studies from real Amiga software
## Contents
| File | Topic |
|---|---|
| [methodology.md ](methodology.md ) | Step-by-step RE workflow for Amiga HUNK binaries |
| [ida_setup.md ](ida_setup.md ) | IDA Pro configuration for 68k/Amiga analysis |
2026-04-29 21:42:28 -04:00
| [ghidra_setup.md ](ghidra_setup.md ) | Ghidra configuration for 68k/Amiga analysis & decompilation |
docs(amiga): complete AmigaOS 3.1/3.2 developer reference — 172 files across 17 sections
Comprehensive technical documentation covering:
- Hardware: OCS/ECS/AGA custom chip registers, Copper & Blitter deep dives
- Boot sequence: cold boot through startup-sequence
- Binary format: HUNK executable spec, relocation, debug info
- Linking & ABI: .fd files, LVO tables, register calling conventions
- Exec kernel: tasks, interrupts, memory, signals, semaphores
- AmigaDOS: file I/O, FFS/OFS layout, CLI/Shell scripting
- Graphics: planar bitmaps, Copper programming, HAM/EHB modes
- Intuition: screens, windows, IDCMP, BOOPSI
- Devices: trackdisk, SCSI, serial, timer, audio, keyboard
- Libraries: utility, expansion, IFFParse, locale, ARexx
- Networking: bsdsocket API, SANA-II, TCP/IP stack comparison
- Toolchain: GCC, vasm/vlink, SAS/C, NDK, debugging
- Reverse engineering: IDA/Ghidra setup, compiler fingerprints, case studies
- CPU & MMU: 68040/060 emulation libs, PMMU, cache management
- Driver development: SANA-II, Picasso96/RTG, AHI audio
All files include breadcrumb navigation. No local paths or proprietary content.
2026-04-23 12:16:52 -04:00
| [compiler_fingerprints.md ](compiler_fingerprints.md ) | Compiler identification by code patterns |
2026-05-12 22:18:43 -04:00
| [static/library_jmp_table.md ](static/library_jmp_table.md ) | Reconstructing unknown library JMP tables and LVOs |
2026-04-29 21:42:28 -04:00
| [static/code_vs_data_disambiguation.md ](static/code_vs_data_disambiguation.md ) | Distinguishing code bytes from data — IDA/Ghidra workflows |
docs(amiga): complete AmigaOS 3.1/3.2 developer reference — 172 files across 17 sections
Comprehensive technical documentation covering:
- Hardware: OCS/ECS/AGA custom chip registers, Copper & Blitter deep dives
- Boot sequence: cold boot through startup-sequence
- Binary format: HUNK executable spec, relocation, debug info
- Linking & ABI: .fd files, LVO tables, register calling conventions
- Exec kernel: tasks, interrupts, memory, signals, semaphores
- AmigaDOS: file I/O, FFS/OFS layout, CLI/Shell scripting
- Graphics: planar bitmaps, Copper programming, HAM/EHB modes
- Intuition: screens, windows, IDCMP, BOOPSI
- Devices: trackdisk, SCSI, serial, timer, audio, keyboard
- Libraries: utility, expansion, IFFParse, locale, ARexx
- Networking: bsdsocket API, SANA-II, TCP/IP stack comparison
- Toolchain: GCC, vasm/vlink, SAS/C, NDK, debugging
- Reverse engineering: IDA/Ghidra setup, compiler fingerprints, case studies
- CPU & MMU: 68040/060 emulation libs, PMMU, cache management
- Driver development: SANA-II, Picasso96/RTG, AHI audio
All files include breadcrumb navigation. No local paths or proprietary content.
2026-04-23 12:16:52 -04:00
| [patching_techniques.md ](patching_techniques.md ) | Surgical binary patching methods |
2026-04-29 21:42:28 -04:00
| [unpacking_and_decrunching.md ](unpacking_and_decrunching.md ) | Executable unpacking, decruncher architecture, and manual extraction |
2026-04-29 23:18:55 -04:00
| [custom_loaders_and_drm.md ](custom_loaders_and_drm.md ) | Bypassing DOS, Trackloaders, and physical DRM tricks |
| [anti_debugging.md ](anti_debugging.md ) | The Cracker vs. Developer arms race: Trace vector abuse, NMI defeat, CIA timers |
2026-05-12 22:18:43 -04:00
| [games/whdload_architecture.md ](games/whdload_architecture.md ) | WHDLoad internals, slaves, resload_DiskLoad, and runtime memory patching |
docs(amiga): complete AmigaOS 3.1/3.2 developer reference — 172 files across 17 sections
Comprehensive technical documentation covering:
- Hardware: OCS/ECS/AGA custom chip registers, Copper & Blitter deep dives
- Boot sequence: cold boot through startup-sequence
- Binary format: HUNK executable spec, relocation, debug info
- Linking & ABI: .fd files, LVO tables, register calling conventions
- Exec kernel: tasks, interrupts, memory, signals, semaphores
- AmigaDOS: file I/O, FFS/OFS layout, CLI/Shell scripting
- Graphics: planar bitmaps, Copper programming, HAM/EHB modes
- Intuition: screens, windows, IDCMP, BOOPSI
- Devices: trackdisk, SCSI, serial, timer, audio, keyboard
- Libraries: utility, expansion, IFFParse, locale, ARexx
- Networking: bsdsocket API, SANA-II, TCP/IP stack comparison
- Toolchain: GCC, vasm/vlink, SAS/C, NDK, debugging
- Reverse engineering: IDA/Ghidra setup, compiler fingerprints, case studies
- CPU & MMU: 68040/060 emulation libs, PMMU, cache management
- Driver development: SANA-II, Picasso96/RTG, AHI audio
All files include breadcrumb navigation. No local paths or proprietary content.
2026-04-23 12:16:52 -04:00
| [case_studies/ ](case_studies/ ) | Real-world RE walkthroughs |
| [case_studies/ramdrive_device.md ](case_studies/ramdrive_device.md ) | ramdrive.device RE walkthrough |
2026-04-29 23:18:55 -04:00
### Game Reverse Engineering
| File | Topic |
|---|---|
| [games/game_reversing.md ](games/game_reversing.md ) | Game RE: disassembly, modification, asset extraction, save game analysis |
2026-04-29 21:42:28 -04:00
### Per-Compiler Reverse Engineering — Binary Field Manuals
| File | Topic |
|---|---|
| [static/compilers/README.md ](static/compilers/README.md ) | Compiler identification flowchart and comparison matrix |
| [static/compilers/sasc.md ](static/compilers/sasc.md ) | **SAS/C 5.x/6.x** — LINK A5 + 9-reg save, absolute strings, `_LibBase` globals |
| [static/compilers/gcc.md ](static/compilers/gcc.md ) | **GCC 2.95.x** — `.text` hunk, A6 frame pointer, PC-relative strings, `__CTOR_LIST__` |
| [static/compilers/vbcc.md ](static/compilers/vbcc.md ) | **VBCC** — No frame pointer, per-function saves, `__reg()` , `__MERGED` hunks |
| [static/compilers/stormc.md ](static/compilers/stormc.md ) | **StormC / StormC++** — SAS/C-compatible C, unique C++ ABI, PPC support |
| [static/compilers/aztec_c.md ](static/compilers/aztec_c.md ) | **Manx Aztec C** — D3-D7 save only (5 regs), D2 scratch, pre-1990 era |
| [static/compilers/lattice_c.md ](static/compilers/lattice_c.md ) | **Lattice C 3.x/4.x** — SAS/C predecessor, simpler optimizer, 6-reg save |
| [static/compilers/dice_c.md ](static/compilers/dice_c.md ) | **DICE C** — No frame pointer, `_mainCRTStartup` , fast compile speed |
### Language-Specific Reverse Engineering
| File | Topic |
|---|---|
| [static/asm68k_binaries.md ](static/asm68k_binaries.md ) | Hand-written assembly reverse engineering — demos, games, bootblocks |
| [static/ansi_c_reversing.md ](static/ansi_c_reversing.md ) | ANSI C reverse engineering — struct recovery, control flow, library anchoring |
| [static/cpp_vtables_reversing.md ](static/cpp_vtables_reversing.md ) | C++ OOP reverse engineering — vtables, inheritance, RTTI, name mangling |
| [static/other_languages.md ](static/other_languages.md ) | Non-C languages — AMOS, Blitz Basic, Amiga E, Modula-2, FORTH, ARexx |
docs(amiga): complete AmigaOS 3.1/3.2 developer reference — 172 files across 17 sections
Comprehensive technical documentation covering:
- Hardware: OCS/ECS/AGA custom chip registers, Copper & Blitter deep dives
- Boot sequence: cold boot through startup-sequence
- Binary format: HUNK executable spec, relocation, debug info
- Linking & ABI: .fd files, LVO tables, register calling conventions
- Exec kernel: tasks, interrupts, memory, signals, semaphores
- AmigaDOS: file I/O, FFS/OFS layout, CLI/Shell scripting
- Graphics: planar bitmaps, Copper programming, HAM/EHB modes
- Intuition: screens, windows, IDCMP, BOOPSI
- Devices: trackdisk, SCSI, serial, timer, audio, keyboard
- Libraries: utility, expansion, IFFParse, locale, ARexx
- Networking: bsdsocket API, SANA-II, TCP/IP stack comparison
- Toolchain: GCC, vasm/vlink, SAS/C, NDK, debugging
- Reverse engineering: IDA/Ghidra setup, compiler fingerprints, case studies
- CPU & MMU: 68040/060 emulation libs, PMMU, cache management
- Driver development: SANA-II, Picasso96/RTG, AHI audio
All files include breadcrumb navigation. No local paths or proprietary content.
2026-04-23 12:16:52 -04:00
## Core Principles
1. **Know the ABI first** — All library calls are `JSR LVO(A6)` . Before reversing any function, identify which library A6 holds using the `lib_Node.ln_Name` string at `base+$00` .
2. **Use .fd files** — The NDK39 `.fd` files give you every function name and parameter mapping for free.
3. **Relocations are your friend** — HUNK_RELOC32 entries tell you exactly which longwords are inter-hunk references, making it easy to distinguish code from data.
4. **Compiler signatures reduce work** — SAS/C vs GCC produces distinct prologues. Identifying the compiler narrows the pattern space dramatically.
## Tool Setup
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
2026-04-29 21:42:28 -04:00
| IDA Pro 7.x | Primary static disassembler (no native M68k decompilation) |
docs(amiga): complete AmigaOS 3.1/3.2 developer reference — 172 files across 17 sections
Comprehensive technical documentation covering:
- Hardware: OCS/ECS/AGA custom chip registers, Copper & Blitter deep dives
- Boot sequence: cold boot through startup-sequence
- Binary format: HUNK executable spec, relocation, debug info
- Linking & ABI: .fd files, LVO tables, register calling conventions
- Exec kernel: tasks, interrupts, memory, signals, semaphores
- AmigaDOS: file I/O, FFS/OFS layout, CLI/Shell scripting
- Graphics: planar bitmaps, Copper programming, HAM/EHB modes
- Intuition: screens, windows, IDCMP, BOOPSI
- Devices: trackdisk, SCSI, serial, timer, audio, keyboard
- Libraries: utility, expansion, IFFParse, locale, ARexx
- Networking: bsdsocket API, SANA-II, TCP/IP stack comparison
- Toolchain: GCC, vasm/vlink, SAS/C, NDK, debugging
- Reverse engineering: IDA/Ghidra setup, compiler fingerprints, case studies
- CPU & MMU: 68040/060 emulation libs, PMMU, cache management
- Driver development: SANA-II, Picasso96/RTG, AHI audio
All files include breadcrumb navigation. No local paths or proprietary content.
2026-04-23 12:16:52 -04:00
| IDA Amiga plugin | HUNK loader, HUNK_SYMBOL import |
2026-04-29 21:42:28 -04:00
| Ghidra + ghidra-amiga | Powerful disassembler and C-pseudocode decompiler for M68k |
docs(amiga): complete AmigaOS 3.1/3.2 developer reference — 172 files across 17 sections
Comprehensive technical documentation covering:
- Hardware: OCS/ECS/AGA custom chip registers, Copper & Blitter deep dives
- Boot sequence: cold boot through startup-sequence
- Binary format: HUNK executable spec, relocation, debug info
- Linking & ABI: .fd files, LVO tables, register calling conventions
- Exec kernel: tasks, interrupts, memory, signals, semaphores
- AmigaDOS: file I/O, FFS/OFS layout, CLI/Shell scripting
- Graphics: planar bitmaps, Copper programming, HAM/EHB modes
- Intuition: screens, windows, IDCMP, BOOPSI
- Devices: trackdisk, SCSI, serial, timer, audio, keyboard
- Libraries: utility, expansion, IFFParse, locale, ARexx
- Networking: bsdsocket API, SANA-II, TCP/IP stack comparison
- Toolchain: GCC, vasm/vlink, SAS/C, NDK, debugging
- Reverse engineering: IDA/Ghidra setup, compiler fingerprints, case studies
- CPU & MMU: 68040/060 emulation libs, PMMU, cache management
- Driver development: SANA-II, Picasso96/RTG, AHI audio
All files include breadcrumb navigation. No local paths or proprietary content.
2026-04-23 12:16:52 -04:00
| `hunkinfo` | Quick hunk/symbol/reloc dump |
| wack / MonAm | On-device debugger |
## References
- NDK39: `fd/` , `include/`
- ADCD 2.1: complete library autodocs
- *Amiga ROM Kernel Reference Manual: Libraries* and *Devices*
