Bill Gates publishes the original source code of Microsoft

In celebration of Microsoft's 50th anniversary, co-founder Bill Gates has shared the original source code that laid the foundation for the company's success. This code, known as Altair BASIC, was developed in 1975 by Gates and his late childhood friend Paul Allen. It was designed for the Altair 8800, an early personal computer, and marked Microsoft's inaugural product offering.

Bill Gates Microsoft source code release

In a post published on his Gates Notes blog on Wednesday, April 2, the Microsoft co-founder announced that he was making “the coolest code” he’s ever written free to download by anyone.

He reflects that upon seeing an article about the Altair 8800 in Popular Electronics magazine, he and Allen recognized the imminent personal computer revolution and seized the opportunity to develop software for it. This endeavor led to the creation of Microsoft, driven by their vision of "a computer on every desk and in every home."

The original source code consists of a 157-page document, showcasing the early programming work that propelled Microsoft's growth. Gates has made this document available as a downloadable PDF, providing a rare glimpse into the company's origins.

This release not only commemorates Microsoft's legacy but also offers insights into the nascent stages of personal computing, reflecting the innovative spirit that continues to drive technological advancements today.

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