# Applesoft BASIC

> floating-point BASIC interpreter

**Wikidata**: [Q621556](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q621556)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Applesoft_BASIC)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/applesoft-basic

## Summary
Applesoft BASIC is a floating-point BASIC interpreter developed by Microsoft in 1977 for the Apple II series. It was one of the first widely used programming languages for personal computers, enabling users to write and run programs in a high-level language without needing extensive technical knowledge.

## Key Facts
- **Developed by**: Microsoft (inception: 1975)
- **Inception**: 1977
- **Platform**: Apple II series
- **Type**: Floating-point BASIC interpreter
- **Aliases**: Applesoft II, Applesoft 2, badgear NT POINT BREAK, 애플소프트, 애플소프트 베이식
- **Creator**: Marc McDonald, Ric Weiland
- **Version**: Applesoft II (1978)
- **Instance of**: Interpreter, programming language
- **Dialect of**: Microsoft BASIC
- **Wikipedia languages**: Available in 10+ languages (en, es, de, etc.)

## FAQs
### Q: What was Applesoft BASIC used for?
A: Applesoft BASIC was used to write and run programs on the Apple II series, making programming accessible to non-technical users.

### Q: Who developed Applesoft BASIC?
A: Applesoft BASIC was developed by Microsoft, with key contributions from Marc McDonald and Ric Weiland.

### Q: What was the first version of Applesoft BASIC?
A: The first notable version was Applesoft II, released in 1978.

### Q: Was Applesoft BASIC proprietary?
A: Yes, Applesoft BASIC was a proprietary interpreter developed by Microsoft for the Apple II platform.

### Q: How did Applesoft BASIC impact personal computing?
A: It was one of the first widely used programming languages for personal computers, democratizing access to software development.

## Why It Matters
Applesoft BASIC played a pivotal role in the early personal computing era by providing a user-friendly programming environment. It allowed hobbyists, educators, and businesses to write and run programs without needing deep technical expertise. As one of the first widely distributed BASIC interpreters, it helped popularize the Apple II and contributed to the growth of personal computing. Its floating-point capabilities made it suitable for scientific and educational applications, further cementing its importance in the development of early software ecosystems.

## Notable For
- **First widely used BASIC interpreter for personal computers**, making programming accessible to a broad audience.
- **Developed by Microsoft**, marking an early collaboration between the tech giant and Apple.
- **Floating-point support**, enabling advanced mathematical operations for scientific and educational use.
- **Aliases in multiple languages**, reflecting its global adoption and localization efforts.
- **Available in multiple versions**, with Applesoft II being the most notable iteration.

## Body
### Overview
Applesoft BASIC was a floating-point BASIC interpreter developed by Microsoft in 1977 for the Apple II series. It was designed to provide users with a high-level programming language that could be used to write and run programs without extensive technical knowledge.

### Development
- **Developed by**: Microsoft, a multinational technology corporation founded in 1975.
- **Creators**: Marc McDonald and Ric Weiland were key contributors to its development.
- **Inception**: The project began in 1977, with the first version released for the Apple II platform.

### Versions
- **Applesoft II**: The most notable version, released in 1978, which included improvements and expanded functionality.

### Technical Specifications
- **Platform**: Designed specifically for the Apple II series, one of the first widely successful personal computers.
- **Type**: A floating-point BASIC interpreter, supporting advanced mathematical operations.
- **Aliases**: Known by various names, including Applesoft 2, badgear NT POINT BREAK, and 애플소프트 베이식.

### Impact
- **Accessibility**: Made programming accessible to a broad audience, including hobbyists and educators.
- **Educational Use**: Widely used in schools and universities for teaching programming fundamentals.
- **Scientific Applications**: Its floating-point capabilities supported scientific and mathematical computations.

### Availability
- **Wikipedia**: Articles exist in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, German, and Korean.
- **Fandom**: A dedicated article on the Applesoft BASIC page, reflecting its cultural significance.

### Legacy
Applesoft BASIC remains a notable example of early personal computing software, influencing later programming languages and development environments. Its success helped establish Microsoft as a key player in the software industry and contributed to the growth of the personal computer market.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013