The Evolution of BASIC: From 1964 to the Modern Era
The history of BASIC is a fascinating journey that spans over five decades, evolving alongside the advancement of computer technology. This programming language revolutionized the way people interacted with computers, making programming accessible to a broader audience. Let's delve into the origins and evolution of BASIC, from its first appearance in 1964 to its modern interpretations.
The Origins of BASIC: 1964
1964 marks the year when the first version of BASIC (Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code) was developed at Dartmouth College. This compiled version was the brainchild of John G. Kemeny and Thomas E. Kurtz. Their vision was to create a user-friendly programming language that would be accessible to students and non-specialists alike.
BASIC: From Compiled to Interpreted
While the first compiled version of BASIC came to life in 1964, the interpreter-based BASICs became much more popular in the 1970s and 1980s. These versions allowed for real-time execution, which proved to be more user-friendly and intuitive for beginners. The DTSS (Dartmouth Time Sharing System) version of BASIC laid the foundation for further improvements and adaptations.
Microsoft’s Influence and the Commodore 64
Microsoft played a significant role in popularizing BASIC, particularly when it licensed the language to Commodore in 1977. Commodore, under the leadership of Jack Tramiel, agreed to the terms and licensed BASIC for use in their home computers, including the Commodore 64, which was introduced in 1982. This computer, which sold in record numbers, made programming accessible to thousands of users through its preloaded BASIC interpreter.
8-Bit to 32-Bit: The Evolution Continues
The success of BASIC on 8-bit computers did not stall when the 32-bit era began. In 1987, a BASIC interpreter was developed for 32-bit ARM-based computers running RISC OS. This version of BASIC was included in desktop GUI applications, although no GUI designer was available at the time. Despite its limitations, this interpreter was open sourced under the Apache 2.0 license, allowing for continued development and integration into various systems.
Visual Basic and Its Shifts
The transition of BASIC into Visual Basic began in the 1990s, when Visual Basic 1.0 was released for DOS in 1991. This marked a significant shift as VB became a de facto standard, even when it came with some incompatibilities. The introduction of Visual Basic .NET in 2001 further refined the language, providing a rich set of tools and a robust GUI designer. However, not all adaptations were equally successful. The Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) released in 1991 provided a different perspective on BASIC, focusing on application-level programming.
Conclusion
The journey of BASIC has been marked by innovation and adaptation. From its humble beginnings in 1964 to its modern incarnations, BASIC has remained a significant force in the world of computer programming. Whether you're a seasoned programmer or a curious beginner, understanding the evolution of BASIC helps appreciate the impact this language has had on the technology industry.