21CTO

Sep 11, 2025 · Fundamentals

What Happens When Microsoft Open‑Sources Its 1976 6502 BASIC Interpreter?

Microsoft has finally released the source code of its 1976 6502 BASIC interpreter under an open‑source license, a historic move that revives the early programming language that ran on Apple II, Atari 2600, NES and Commodore 8‑bit machines, and invites enthusiasts to explore and rebuild the original environment.