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Microsoft Releases Historic 1976 BASIC Code on GitHub

9/4/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Microsoft has released the 1976 BASIC interpreter source code for the MOS 6502 processor under the MIT license.
Version 1.1 features enhancements to the garbage collector and supports platforms like Apple II and Commodore PET.
This release is significant for preserving computing history, highlighting BASIC's role in Microsoft's early success.
The code, consisting of 6,955 lines of assembly language, is accessible on GitHub.

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Story summary

Microsoft has released the 1976 BASIC interpreter source code for the MOS 6502 processor under the MIT license.
Version 1.1 features enhancements to the garbage collector and supports platforms like Apple II and Commodore PET.
This release is significant for preserving computing history, highlighting BASIC's role in Microsoft's early success.
The code, consisting of 6,955 lines of assembly language, is accessible on GitHub.