Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has shared the original source code for Altair Basic, the company's first product, to commemorate its 50th anniversary. The 157-page PDF, available on Gates' blog, contains the code that laid the foundation for the tech giant's success.

Developed in 1975 by Gates, Paul Allen, and Monte Davidoff, Altair Basic was a programming language interpreter for the MITS Altair 8800 microcomputer. The trio spent two months coding "day and night" to create the software, which would eventually revolutionize the industry. Gates recalled that they chose to develop an interpreter instead of a compiler, as it would provide instant feedback to novice programmers, allowing them to fix mistakes quickly.

The release of Altair Basic marked a significant milestone in the history of personal computers. At the time, personal computers were rare, but Gates and Allen saw an opportunity to enable the Altair 8800 chip to run a version of the Basic programming language. MITS eventually licensed the software from the duo, and Altair Basic became the first product under their new company, Micro-soft.

The source code document not only provides a glimpse into the early days of Microsoft but also features a retro-themed web page design, complete with funky animations and graphics. The blog post also includes additional details about the company's early history, offering a unique insight into the minds of its founders.

This release is a testament to Microsoft's commitment to preserving its history and sharing it with the public. The company has come a long way since its humble beginnings, and this move is a nod to the pioneers who paved the way for the tech industry's growth.

The implications of this release extend beyond Microsoft's anniversary celebration. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving historical code and the value it holds for future generations of developers. The availability of this code can also inspire new developers to learn from the past and build upon the foundations laid by Gates and his team.

In conclusion, the release of Altair Basic's source code is a significant event in the tech industry, offering a rare glimpse into the early days of Microsoft and the development of personal computers. As the company looks to the future, this move serves as a reminder of its rich history and the innovations that have shaped the industry into what it is today.