The History and Legacy of the Programming Language BASIC

BASIC is a fundamental programming language that has played a pivotal role in the history of computing. From its initial development in the 1960s to its enduring legacy in modern programming, BASIC has been a foundational tool for both beginners and seasoned programmers alike.

Origins and Early Development (1960s)

BASIC Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code was created by John Kemeny and Thomas Kurtz at Dartmouth College in the early 1960s. Originally named Beginners All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code, or BASIC, the language was intended to be user-friendly and accessible to beginners. The first version was run on the Dartmouth Time-Sharing System, marking the birth of a language that would go on to influence the entire world of programming.

Spread and Adoption (1970s)

By the 1970s, BASIC had spread to various computer systems, making it one of the first widely adopted high-level programming languages. This decade saw the introduction of several dialects and implementations of BASIC, each tailored to specific hardware and systems. For instance, Business BASIC and BASIC FOUR were among the various implementations that emerged during this period.

Microsoft and the Birth of a Global Phenomenon (1975)

In 1975, when MITS released the Altair 8800 computer kit, based on the Intel 8080 microprocessor, Bill Gates and Paul Allen saw an opportunity. They developed an interpreter for a dialect of BASIC, known as Altair BASIC, which became the foundation of what would later be known as Microsoft. This initial product marked the beginning of Microsoft's global impact on the computing industry.

Following the success of Altair BASIC, Microsoft became the primary developer of dialects of BASIC for a wide range of microcomputers. This included supplying BASICs for systems like the Radio Shack TRS-80, Apple I, Apple II, Commodore, IBM PC 5150, and many others. Each version of BASIC was slightly different, taking advantage of unique hardware capabilities and peripheral devices, ensuring compatibility and utility across diverse systems.

Sophistication and Decline of BASIC (1980s-1990s)

The 1980s marked a period of widespread use of BASIC for educational and hobbyist programming, particularly with the rise of home computers like the Commodore 64 and the IBM PC. However, as more sophisticated languages emerged, BASIC saw a decline in popularity. The 1990s saw the emergence of Visual Basic, a Windows-based version of BASIC, which became popular for developing graphical applications.

Evolution and Modern Relevance (2000s-Present)

While not as dominant as it once was, BASIC continues to be used in various forms and dialects. Modern programming languages have also incorporated some of the simplicity and user-friendly aspects of BASIC. For instance, Python's Interactive Mode and .ipynb notebook files (Jupyter Notebooks) have borrowed from the interactive scripting style of BASIC.

BASIC played a crucial role in bringing programming to a wider audience and fostering early interest in computing. It paved the way for the development of more complex programming languages and laid the groundwork for the personal computing revolution. Though it may not be the first choice for professional developers today, BASIC remains a significant part of computing history and continues to inspire new generations of programmers.

Conclusion

From its humble beginnings at Dartmouth College to its enduring legacy in modern computing, BASIC has had a profound impact on the field of programming. It has transformed from a teaching tool to an essential part of the programming landscape. As we continue to explore new frontiers in technology, the lessons and spirit of BASIC will undoubtedly continue to shape the way we think about and interact with code.