Microsoft BASIC, now open source
4 days ago
- #Microsoft
- #Programming
- #History
- Microsoft developed its own version of BASIC called Altair BASIC (later Microsoft BASIC) between 1976 and 1978 for the 6502 microprocessor.
- Microsoft released the source code of 'Microsoft BASIC for 6502 Microprocessor' version 1.1 on GitHub, allowing free viewing and downloading.
- The release is due to its historical significance as a foundation for modern software, influencing MS-DOS, programming language standardization, software licensing, and democratizing programming.
- Microsoft BASIC was one of the first programming languages accessible to the general public, marking a milestone in computer history.
- Though no longer in active use, its legacy continues with Visual Basic .NET.