Microsoft Open-Sourced Its Original 6502 BASIC Code

Microsoft announced it has open-sourced its original 6502 BASIC code, the program that powered some of the earliest personal computers nearly 50 years ago.

The release marks a milestone in tech history, as the software played a foundational role in making computing more accessible and shaping the early PC industry.

By opening the code, Microsoft is preserving an important piece of computing heritage while making it available to developers, educators, and enthusiasts worldwide.

The 6502 BASIC code was a core element in machines like the Apple II and Commodore 64, where it introduced millions to programming for the first time.

Its release gives today’s community a chance to study the inner workings of early coding practices and understand how software helped fuel innovation decades ago.

Microsoft says the move aligns with its broader commitment to open source, education, and honoring the pioneers of personal computing.

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