Microsoft’s first-ever programming language was just open-sourced

Microsoft's First Programming Language Opensourced Microsoft has recently open-sourced the source code for its first-ever programming language, Microsoft BASIC, which was developed between 1976 and 1978. The language was initially called Altair BASIC before becoming Microsoft BASIC, and it was designed for the 6502 microprocessor, which was used in various popular home computers of the time. The release of the version 1.1 source code on GitHub is significant because it represents a crucial milestone in the history of software development. Microsoft BASIC was one of the first programming languages that the general public encountered, and its techniques, patterns, and business models directly influenced the development of MS-DOS, the standardization of programming language implementations, the establishment of software licensing as a business model, and the democratization of computer programming. While Microsoft BASIC is no longer widely used today, its legacy lives on through the company's Visual Basic .NET programming language. The open-sourcing of this historical code allows developers and enthusiasts to explore and understand the foundations of the modern software industry.