Microsoft open-sources its 6502 version of BASIC from 1976

Microsoft has released the source code for its 6502 version of BASIC, a programming language developed in 1976 by Bill Gates and Ric Weiland. This version of BASIC was used on early home computers like the Apple II, Atari 2600, and Commodore 8-bit series. The open-source release of 6502 BASIC is a nod to the early days of personal computing, as this software helped standardize programming language implementations and allowed many developers to learn coding on Commodore machines. In 1977, Commodore licensed 6502 BASIC for a flat fee of $25,000, integrating it into their PET computers, VIC-20, and Commodore 64. While 6502 BASIC and Microsoft's other early software projects contributed to the development of MS-DOS and the company's software licensing model, the MOS 6502 CPU and this code have maintained a dedicated following among preservationists and hobbyists. Microsoft's open-source release of the 6502 BASIC source code on GitHub aims to build on the work of these enthusiasts and provide a clear, modern license for further experimentation and preservation.