Open Source Release of Microsoft's BASIC for 6502 Computers
In a nod to the past, Microsoft has made a surprise move by releasing an old version of their BASIC interpreter for the 6502 processor under an open-source license. The announcement has sparked excitement among retrocomputer enthusiasts and hobbyists.
The open-source version, Microsoft BASIC 1.1 for the 6502, was first developed by Bill Gates and Ric Weiland in 1976 and was initially released the following year. This particular version predates the more feature-rich iterations found in later home computers, such as the Commodore 64, but it supports a variety of early models, including the Commodore PET, KIM-1, and early Apple models.
Microsoft's decision to open-source this classic software comes as no surprise, given the company's history of making old products available to the public domain. In the 1970s, Microsoft was the foremost supplier of BASIC interpreters, and this release continues that legacy.
The source code for the open-source Microsoft BASIC 1.1 has been cleared of any licensing concerns and is now available under the MIT license. This means that anyone can use, modify, and distribute the code without worrying about restrictions.
The open-source release of this vintage software offers opportunities for experimentation and real-hardware projects. With the 6502 microprocessor, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, still in active use, the possibilities are endless.
The open-source Microsoft BASIC 1.1 can be found in various products, including Commodore and Apple devices, among many others. The GitHub repository for the open-source project features the original file dates set to 48 years ago, providing a glimpse into the past.
The header image for this article features Michael Holley, who is in the public domain. Holley, like the open-source Microsoft BASIC, is a piece of history that continues to inspire and captivate.
