Bringing BASIC back: Microsoft's 6502 BASIC is now Open Source
7 days ago
- #Microsoft
- #OpenSource
- #RetroComputing
- Hyperlight now supports interactive debugging of guest micro-VMs with GNU Debugger.
- Microsoft officially releases the 6502 BASIC source code under an open-source license for the first time.
- Microsoft BASIC, the company's first product, was adapted for various 8-bit CPUs, including the MOS 6502.
- Commodore licensed the 6502 BASIC in 1977, integrating it into PET, VIC-20, and Commodore 64 computers.
- The released version (1.1) includes fixes and a playful Easter egg by Bill Gates.
- The MOS 6502 CPU was foundational for many classic systems like Apple II and NES.
- Retro-computing remains popular, with FPGA recreations and new Commodore 64 hardware announced.
- Preservationists have reconstructed build environments, enabling modern assembly and execution.
- This release follows Microsoft's earlier open-sourcing of GW-BASIC, part of the same lineage.
- The 6502 BASIC is now available for exploration, modification, and sharing.