Microsoft Releases Source Code for Microsoft Basic V1.1
by invented Reporter | WASHINGTON, D.C. – 2025/09/05 07:49:07
In a nod to its foundational history, Microsoft has released the source code for Microsoft Basic V1.1, a pivotal product from its early years that targeted the 6502 processor. This release coincides with the fiftieth anniversary of the first Microsoft Basic version.
Microsoft Basic V1.1 laid the software groundwork for numerous platforms, including the Apple II, Commodore 64, NES, and Atari 2600. The now-public code was initially crafted by Bill Gates, with contributions from Ric Weiland to optimize it for the 6502 processor, expanding beyond the initial Altair 8800 focus.
This version of BASIC played a critically important role in Microsoft’s rise in the software industry during the late 1970s. The company’s decision to release the 49-year-old code reflects a commitment to preserving and sharing its legacy within the IT community.
The 7000-line source code for 6502 Basic is accessible on Github.
The V1.1 BASIC eventually became a historic product for Microsoft.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why did Microsoft release the source code for Microsoft Basic V1.1?
- Microsoft released the source code as part of its tradition of sharing its legacy with the IT community and to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the first Microsoft Basic version.
- What platforms did Microsoft Basic V1.1 support?
- Microsoft Basic V1.1 supported platforms such as Apple II, Commodore 64, NES, and Atari 2600.
- where can I find the source code for Microsoft Basic V1.1?
- The source code is available on Github.
