48年前的传奇代码重现!微软开源6955行比尔·盖茨联合开发的BASIC解释器,首日狂揽1.5k Star
猿大侠·2025-09-08 04:12

Core Viewpoint - Microsoft has officially open-sourced the complete source code of the 6502 BASIC interpreter, originally co-written by Bill Gates 48 years ago, marking a significant step in preserving software history and promoting retro computing [1][2][19]. Group 1: Historical Context - The 6502 BASIC interpreter's origins trace back to 1975 when Bill Gates and Paul Allen developed a BASIC interpreter for the MITS Altair 8800, the first commercially successful microcomputer [5][6]. - The 6502 version of BASIC was completed in 1976 and was a collaborative effort between Gates and Rick Weiland [7][12]. - Commodore purchased the rights to the 6502 BASIC for $25,000 in 1977, leading to its widespread use in Commodore's PET, VIC-20, and Commodore 64 computers [11][12]. Group 2: Technical Details - The open-sourced version of the BASIC interpreter is version 1.1, designed for the MOS 6502 processor, with a code size of 8KB [13]. - The source code includes optimizations and fixes made by Commodore engineers in collaboration with Gates, such as memory management improvements [15]. - The code features a hidden Easter egg left by Gates, showcasing a playful interaction with the software's history [16][17]. Group 3: Community Impact - The release of the source code has sparked interest in the developer community, quickly garnering 1.5k stars on GitHub [2]. - Retro computing enthusiasts continue to engage with the 6502 architecture, with projects involving FPGA recreations and emulator developments [19][20]. - Microsoft's initiative to open-source this historical code allows for better preservation and understanding of early computing principles, making it accessible for future developers and hobbyists [20][21].