Microsoft’s 50th anniversary is a momentous occasion, marking five decades of technological innovation, world-changing software, and digital advancements. To celebrate this milestone, Bill Gates, the visionary co-founder of Microsoft, has shared a piece of history that played a pivotal role in the company’s origins: the original Altair BASIC source code.
The Coolest Code Gates Ever Wrote
For Gates, the release of Altair BASIC holds a special place in his heart. Describing it as "the coolest code I've ever written," he looks back fondly on the sleepless nights spent working alongside his co-founder Paul Allen. Gates recalls how the inspiration for the code came from a January 1975 issue of Popular Electronics, which featured the Altair 8800 microcomputer on its cover. This microcomputer, developed by MITS (Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems), was a game-changer and would soon serve as the catalyst for the creation of Microsoft. The Altair BASIC interpreter that Gates and Allen developed allowed users to easily write their own programs for the Altair 8800. This, in essence, brought computing to the masses, making personal computers accessible in ways they hadn't been before. At the time, there was little expectation that software could become as important as hardware, but Gates and Allen’s vision helped pave the way for the computing revolution.Microsoft’s Humble Beginnings
Before Microsoft became the software behemoth it is today, the company was known as Micro-Soft, a name Gates and Allen used when they first started working on the Altair BASIC interpreter. The name would later be simplified to just “Microsoft,†but the spirit of that original idea still drives the company today. The journey was no easy feat, and Gates recalls the hard work that went into developing Altair BASIC. “Paul and I spent sleepless nights for months on end trying to develop the code,†Gates shares. The duo worked tirelessly to bring their vision to life, sometimes claiming that the software was already complete before it was even written. Their hustle paid off, and Altair BASIC became the first major product for Microsoft.
A Major Milestone for Microsoft
As Gates celebrates this milestone, he also acknowledges the key players who have contributed to Microsoft’s success over the years. He credits former leaders like Steve Ballmer and Satya Nadella for continuing the company’s tradition of innovation, as well as the many employees who have helped shape the tech giant over the decades. “Making it 50 years is a huge accomplishment,†Gates writes. “We couldn’t have done it without incredible leaders and the many people who have worked at Microsoft over the years.†Gates' decision to share the Altair BASIC source code is an interesting and fitting tribute to Microsoft’s roots. As tech journalist Thurrott puts it, it’s "the most Bill Gates way possible" to mark the occasion. Indeed, this move exemplifies Gates’ love for the history of computing, showing a deep respect for the journey that started it all.How to Access the Source Code
For those eager to dive into the code that started it all, Gates has made the Altair BASIC source code available for download. While it may not be the most thrilling read for the casual audience, it’s a piece of history that offers insight into the development process and the early days of personal computing. The full source code spans 157 pages, and while it might not be the easiest thing to parse for the uninitiated, it’s a fascinating look at the foundational steps that led to the creation of the tech powerhouse we know today.