Thoreau BASIC Brings GW-BASIC to Modern x86 PCs
The GW-BASIC-compatible interpreter and compiler supports 64-bit memory, multithreading and 24-bit graphics, and is pay-what-you-want.
Thoreau BASIC, an interpreter and compiler built as a modernized version of GW-BASIC, has been released as a pay-what-you-want project on Itch.io. According to Hackaday, the project keeps code compatibility with old GW-BASIC programs while targeting current hardware.
Thoreau BASIC can boot from a modern x86 PC's UEFI firmware or run under Windows. Programs written for it can be compiled either to run under Windows or bare-metal on UEFI x86 machines.
The language adds 64-bit memory and multithreading, along with 24-bit graphics at any resolution, sprite support, 32-channel sound, and commands for mouse and keyboard input.
The release follows earlier efforts to keep BASIC in use. In the past, IBM-PC and compatible computers shipped with BASIC in ROM, later GW-BASIC, and other revival projects have included MoonBASIC and BASIC-256.
Quick answers
Where can I download Thoreau BASIC?
It is available on Itch.io as a pay-what-you-want download.
Can Thoreau BASIC run old GW-BASIC programs?
Yes. Thoreau BASIC is code-compatible with old GW-BASIC programs.
Does Thoreau BASIC run on Windows?
Yes. It can run under Windows, or boot from a modern x86 PC's UEFI.