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In 1976, Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple Computer Company, developed the Apple Integer BASIC, a BASIC interpreter specifically for the Apple-1 and Apple II computers. Originally, the software was only available on cassette for the Apple I, but later it was included in the ROM on the Apple II. This made Apple Integer BASIC the first version of BASIC to be used on personal computers.
At the time of its development, the language was known as GAME BASIC, but it was later introduced as Apple BASIC on the Apple Computer 1. When it was ported to the Apple II, it was renamed Integer BASIC and shipped alongside Applesoft BASIC, a port of Microsoft BASIC that included floating-point support. However, starting with the release of the Apple II Plus in 1979, Integer BASIC was phased out in favor of Applesoft BASIC.
| Released | April 11, 1976 |
| System Requirements | Apple I Apple II |
| Distribution | Cassette Included in ROM |
Today, Apple Integer BASIC is 47 years old and holds a special place in the history of personal computing. It was the first version of BASIC to be used on personal computers and paved the way for the development of future programming languages.
Further Reading and References
- Integer BASIC – Wikipedia
- How Steve Wozniak Wrote BASIC for the Original Apple From Scratch – Gizmodo
- Apple II Programmer’s Reference: Integer Basic Commands – Landsnail
- Apple BASIC – Woz
- Byte Magazine Volume 02 No. 05 – Internet Archive
- Byte Magazine Volume 03 No. 03 – Internet Archive
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Last updated: March 7, 2023