Develop BASIC for the Altair 8800

Setting

Hardware exists (Altair 8800), but it has no software. Users have to toggle switches to input code. To make it useful, it needs a high-level programming language. BASIC is the obvious choice because it's interpreted (good for limited memory), widely known in the hobbyist community, and relatively simple to implement.

People

• Responsible: Bill Gates, Paul Allen, Monte Davidoff
• Approvers: Ed Roberts (MITS)
• Consulted:
• Informed:

Alternatives

Option A: Write an Operating System first

Pros:

• Controls the hardware directly.
• Standard approach for mainframes.

Cons:

• Too complex for 4KB of memory.
• Hobbyists want to write programs immediately.

Option B: Write a BASIC Interpreter

Pros:

• Fits in 4KB memory (with incredible optimization).
• Allows users to write their own programs.
• Becomes the "OS" for the machine effectively.

Cons:

• Extremely difficult to fit full feature set into 4KB.
• Requires simulation of the 8080 chip on a PDP-10 to develop (since they didn't have an Altair yet).

Decision

Chosen: Option B

Rationale: BASIC unlocks the utility of the hardware for the mass market (hobbyists). It acts as both the language and the operating environment.

Consequences

Positive

• +Became the standard for all microcomputers (Altair BASIC, then Apple, Commodore, etc.).
• +Generated initial revenue stream.

Negative

• −Rampant piracy (leading to the "Letter to Hobbyists").