Microsoft has officially released the source code for its historic 6502 BASIC interpreter under an open-source license. This release preserves a significant piece of computing history, making the original code available to a new generation of developers and enthusiasts.
Originally developed in 1975, the 6502 BASIC interpreter was a foundational piece of software for many early personal computers, including the Commodore PET, VIC-20, and Commodore 64. The open-source release, version "BASIC M6502 8K VER 1.1," includes fixes from 1978 and represents the code that powered a generation of home computers.
This move follows Microsoft's earlier release of GW-BASIC and continues the trend of preserving and celebrating the history of personal computing. The code is now available for study, modification, and even execution on modern systems, offering a direct link to the origins of the personal computer revolution.
