- Bill Gates shared Microsoft’s original source code on his blog.
- The code was for Altair BASIC, created in 1975 for the Altair 8800.
- Gates calls it the ‘coolest code’ he’s ever written.
- Altair BASIC was Microsoft’s first product, marking its inception.
- The source code is available for download on Gates Notes.
Bill Gates Celebrates Microsoft’s 50th Anniversary
On the occasion of Microsoft’s 50th anniversary, co-founder Bill Gates has shared the original source code that launched the company. The code, written for Altair BASIC in 1975, is now available for download on Gates’s blog, Gates Notes. Gates reminisced about the early days of Microsoft, calling this code the ‘coolest’ he has ever written and reflecting on how it shaped the company’s future.
The Inspiration Behind Altair BASIC
The journey began in January 1975 when Gates and Paul Allen, his Harvard friend and future co-founder, stumbled upon a Popular Electronics magazine featuring the Altair 8800, a groundbreaking personal computer developed by Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems (MITS). Inspired by the potential of personal computing, Gates and Allen decided to create software that would allow users to program the Altair using the BASIC programming language.
Challenges and Triumphs
Despite their enthusiasm, Gates and Allen faced a significant challenge: they didn’t own an Altair 8800 or its Intel 8080 chip. To overcome this, Allen developed a simulator for the chip on a Harvard PDP-10 mainframe, while Gates wrote the main code for the BASIC interpreter. Another programmer, Monte Davidoff, contributed by creating the math package for the software. After two months of intense coding, they presented the BASIC interpreter to MITS, which agreed to license the software.
The Birth of Micro-Soft
Altair BASIC became the first product of the newly founded company, initially named Micro-Soft, with a hyphen that was later dropped. This marked the beginning of a software revolution that would eventually lead to iconic products like Windows, Office, and Xbox. Gates reflected on this milestone, stating, ‘It’s amazing to think how this one piece of code led to half a century of innovation at Microsoft.’
The Legacy of Altair BASIC
Altair BASIC was more than just a programming tool; it laid the foundation for Microsoft’s success. Gates noted that the code, which occupies only 4 kilobytes, was pivotal in enabling users to develop their own programs, marking the start of personal computing. Even after 50 years, Gates expressed pride in the code, stating, ‘Computer programming has come a long way over the last 50 years, but I’m still super proud of how it turned out.’
Download the Original Code
For those interested in exploring the origins of Microsoft, Gates has made the original Altair BASIC source code available for download on his blog. The 157-page document offers a glimpse into the early days of software development and the ingenuity that propelled Microsoft to global prominence.
Reflections on Microsoft’s Growth
Microsoft has come a long way since its inception in 1975. Under the leadership of figures like Steve Ballmer and Satya Nadella, the company has grown into a tech giant with a market value of approximately $2.8 trillion. Gates acknowledged this evolution, stating, ‘Before there was Office or Windows 95 or Xbox or AI, there was this source code.’
As Microsoft celebrates its 50th anniversary, Gates’s decision to share the original source code serves as a testament to the company’s humble beginnings and enduring impact on the tech industry. The Altair BASIC code not only marked the start of Microsoft but also ushered in a new era of personal computing, making technology accessible to millions worldwide.
Sources: Gates Notes, Popular Electronics, Business Insider