Bill Gates, the co-founder of the tech giant, has shared the original source code that launched the company into its transformative journey. This historic decision, announced on April 2 via Gates Notes, has caught the attention of tech enthusiasts, developers, and historians alike. Gates described this code as “the coolest code” he’s ever written, offering a unique glimpse into the beginnings of one of the world’s most influential technology companies.
The source code in question dates back to 1975, when Gates and his partner, Paul Allen, wrote the software for the Altair 8800 microcomputer, a device that would become the catalyst for the personal computer revolution. The project was inspired by an article in Popular Electronics magazine, which featured the Altair 8800. At the time, there was no operating system for the Altair, and Gates and Allen saw an opportunity to create one.
After contacting the makers of the Altair, they presented their vision for an operating system, later dubbed “Altair BASIC,” which ran on the microcomputer. Their work led to the founding of Microsoft in April 1975, and from there, the company quickly became a leader in software development.
Gates’ decision to release the code is a significant gesture to the tech community. It not only honors the company’s roots but also provides a rare opportunity for those interested in the history of software development to explore one of the earliest examples of programming in the personal computing era.
By making this code freely available for download, Gates has opened a window into the early days of software development, allowing modern developers to learn from and appreciate the humble beginnings of Microsoft. As the tech industry continues to evolve, this release serves as a reminder of how far innovation can take us, starting with a small piece of code written in a humble office in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
For anyone interested in exploring the roots of Microsoft, the source code is now available for download on Gates’ blog.
