Commodore BASIC facts for kids
Imagine a time when computers were just starting to become popular in homes! Commodore BASIC was a special computer language. It was like the main way people talked to and programmed their Commodore computers. This language was used in Commodore's 8-bit home computers. These computers were popular from 1977 to 1985, including famous ones like the PET and the C128.
Contents
The Story of Commodore BASIC
Commodore BASIC has an interesting history. It was based on an earlier version of the BASIC programming language. This original version was made by a company called Microsoft.
How Commodore Used BASIC
Commodore took the original BASIC code and made it even better. They used this improved version for all their different 8-bit home computers. For a long time, you wouldn't see Microsoft's name on the screen. This changed with the Commodore 128, which showed a Microsoft copyright notice.
A Secret Message from Microsoft
Even without a copyright notice, there was a secret! Microsoft had hidden a special message, called an easter egg, in an early version of Commodore BASIC (version 2). If you typed a specific command, `WAIT 6502, 1`, the word `Microsoft!` would pop up on the screen. It was like a secret signature!
Why Some Computers Had Older Versions
The very popular Commodore 64 came out after other Commodore computers. Yet, it had an older version of BASIC (version 2.0). Other computers, like the PET/CBM series, had version 4.0. This was because the Commodore 64 was made for homes and fun. The PET/CBM computers were for businesses and schools. They needed a more advanced programming language for their users.
Images for kids
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The Simons' BASIC start-up screen
See also
In Spanish: Commodore BASIC para niños
