MS-BASIC 1.1 introduced programming to a generation - now you can download it for free

Microsoft has open-sourced MS-BASIC 1.1, its first programming language, allowing the public to download and use it for free. This move is significant as MS-BASIC played a crucial role in introducing a generation to the world of programming. Developed in the 1970s, MS-BASIC was a pioneering language that enabled users to create their own computer programs. It was widely used on early personal computers, including the Apple II, Commodore 64, and IBM PC. By open-sourcing MS-BASIC 1.1, Microsoft is making this historical language accessible to a new generation of programmers and enthusiasts. This decision aligns with the company's recent efforts to embrace open-source software and collaborate with the broader developer community. The availability of MS-BASIC 1.1 as an open-source project allows developers to study, modify, and build upon this foundational programming language. This move is expected to inspire nostalgia among those who grew up with MS-BASIC and foster new interest in the history and evolution of software development.