Microsoft Goes Back to BASIC, Open-Sources Bill Gates’ Code

Microsoft has open-sourced the original source code for Microsoft BASIC, a programming language developed by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in the 1970s. The move is part of Microsoft's ongoing efforts to preserve and share its historical software assets. The BASIC code, which laid the foundation for Microsoft's early success, is now available on the software giant's GitHub repository. This allows developers and enthusiasts to examine, study, and even contribute to the code that paved the way for the company's rise in the personal computing era. The open-sourcing of this iconic code serves as a nostalgic nod to Microsoft's origins and the pioneering work of its founders. It also demonstrates the company's commitment to embracing open-source practices, a shift from its previously more closed-off approach. This decision provides a unique opportunity for the developer community to explore and learn from the roots of Microsoft, potentially inspiring new innovations and fostering a deeper understanding of the industry's technological evolution.