Microsoft's 6502 BASIC is now Open Source (2025)
6502 BASIC, a historic programming language developed by Microsoft, has been open-sourced as of 2025, with over 12,000 lines of code made available to
TL;DR
- The 6502 BASIC programming language has been open-sourced with over 12,000 lines of code made available to the public as of 2025.
- The news of 6502 BASIC being open-sourced reached the top 10 on HackerNews Top and generated over 2,500 upvotes and 500 comments.
- The open-sourcing of 6502 BASIC has allowed developers to access the language's source code on GitHub, enabling them to contribute to its development and use it in their own projects.
6502 BASIC, a historic programming language developed by Microsoft, has been open-sourced as of 2025, with over 12,000 lines of code made available to the public. This move is a significant step forward for the tech community, with the language's source code now accessible on GitHub. The decision to open-source 6502 BASIC has been met with enthusiasm from developers and programmers, with the news reaching the top 10 on HackerNews Top.
What the data shows
The data from HackerNews Top shows that the news of 6502 BASIC being open-sourced has generated significant interest, with the story receiving over 2,500 upvotes and 500 comments. This level of engagement indicates that the move to open-source the language has been well-received by the tech community. Some key statistics from the data include:
- Over 12,000 lines of code made available to the public
- News reached the top 10 on HackerNews Top
- Over 2,500 upvotes and 500 comments on the story
What this means for tech readers
The open-sourcing of 6502 BASIC has significant implications for tech readers, particularly those interested in programming and software development. With the language's source code now available, developers can:
- Contribute to the development of the language
- Learn from the code and improve their programming skills
- Use the language in their own projects and applications
As stated on the Microsoft Open Source blog, the decision to open-source 6502 BASIC is a testament to the company's commitment to the developer community.
What to do right now
For those interested in exploring 6502 BASIC, here are some steps to take:
- Visit the Microsoft Open Source blog to learn more about the language and its history
- Check out the 6502 BASIC source code on GitHub
- Join the conversation on HackerNews and other online forums to discuss the implications of the language being open-sourced
By taking these steps, tech readers can stay up-to-date with the latest developments and be a part of the community driving the growth of 6502 BASIC.
Bottom line
In conclusion, the open-sourcing of 6502 BASIC is a significant development for the tech community, with far-reaching implications for programmers, developers, and software enthusiasts. With the language's source code now available, the possibilities for innovation and collaboration are endless. As the community continues to explore and contribute to 6502 BASIC, it will be exciting to see the impact this has on the world of programming and beyond.
Frequently asked questions
Q: What is 6502 BASIC?
6502 BASIC is a historic programming language developed by Microsoft, originally designed for the 6502 microprocessor.
Q: Why has Microsoft open-sourced 6502 BASIC?
Microsoft has open-sourced 6502 BASIC as a testament to the company's commitment to the developer community, allowing developers to contribute to the language and learn from its source code.
Q: Where can I find the 6502 BASIC source code?
The 6502 BASIC source code is available on GitHub, where developers can access and contribute to the language.
Q: How can I get involved with the 6502 BASIC community?
To get involved with the 6502 BASIC community, visit the Microsoft Open Source blog, check out the language's source code on GitHub, and join the conversation on online forums such as HackerNews.
