# Locomotive BASIC

> proprietary dialect of the BASIC programming language

**Wikidata**: [Q1753474](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1753474)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Locomotive_BASIC)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/locomotive-basic

## Summary
Locomotive BASIC is a proprietary dialect of the BASIC programming language developed by Locomotive Software. It was created in 1984 and runs on the AMSDOS disk operating system.

## Key Facts
- Developer: Locomotive Software
- Inception: 1984
- Instance of: Programming language
- License: Proprietary license
- Operating system: AMSDOS
- Copyright status: Copyrighted
- Sitelink count: 7
- Part of: Q118163472 (Unknown specific item, but indicates some broader grouping)
- Freebase ID: /m/01wclc

## FAQs
### Q: What is Locomotive BASIC?
A: Locomotive BASIC is a proprietary dialect of the BASIC programming language. It was specifically designed for use with AMSDOS.

### Q: Who created Locomotive BASIC?
A: Locomotive Software developed Locomotive BASIC.

### Q: When was Locomotive BASIC released?
A: It was created in 1984.

### Q: What operating system does Locomotive BASIC require?
A: It runs on AMSDOS, a type of disk operating system.

### Q: Is Locomotive BASIC free or open-source?
A: No, it uses a proprietary license and has a copyrighted status.

## Why It Matters
Locomotive BASIC holds significance as a specific implementation of the BASIC language tailored for the AMSDOS environment in the early 1980s. As a proprietary dialect, it represents a distinct approach to programming on systems utilizing this operating system. Its development by Locomotive Software highlights the specialized software ecosystem of the era, where companies created custom language versions for specific hardware platforms. Understanding Locomotive BASIC provides insight into the evolution of BASIC dialects and the role of proprietary languages during a period of rapid personal computer development.

## Notable For
- Proprietary license status, distinguishing it from open-source or public domain BASIC implementations.
- Specific integration with the AMSDOS disk operating system.
- Development by Locomotive Software, a key software house of the 1980s.
- Creation in 1984, placing it firmly within the early microcomputer era.
- Copyrighted status, emphasizing its non-free nature.

## Body
### Origins and Classification
- Locomotive BASIC is an instance of the programming language class.
- It is explicitly identified as a "proprietary dialect of the BASIC programming language" according to its Wikidata description.

### Technical Specifications and Dependencies
- **Operating System:** Requires AMSDOS (type: disk operating system).
- **License:** Proprietary.
- **Copyright Status:** Copyrighted.
- **Developer:** Locomotive Software.
- **Inception Year:** 1984.

### Digital Presence and Identifiers
- **Image Available:** Found at [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Locomotive_BASIC_amstrad_cpc.PNG](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Locomotive_BASIC_amstrad_cpc.PNG).
- **Freebase ID:** /m/01wclc.
- **Wikidata Item:** Part of Q118163472 (exact nature of the part relationship unspecified in source).
- **Sitelink Count:** 7 (indicating coverage across 7 Wikimedia projects).
- **Wikipedia Title:** "Locomotive BASIC".
- **Commons Category:** "Locomotive BASIC".
- **Wikipedia Languages:** Available on Wikimedia Commons, and in German (de), English (en), Spanish (es), French (fr), Italian (it), and Norwegian (no).

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013