MCXi Basic 1.22

MCX BASIC represents a significant iteration of the BASIC programming language, specifically designed to align with GW-BASIC, one of the established BASIC dialects for 16-bit computing systems. The development of MCX BASIC emphasized flexibility and expandability, reflecting a commitment to adaptability in programming environments.

The development environment of MCX BASIC is reminiscent of the Dartmouth Time Sharing System associated with Dartmouth BASIC. It features a command line-based Integrated Development Environment (IDE) where program lines must be numbered; any lines without numbers are treated as immediate commands in direct mode. This design results in a predominantly command-line interface, which may appeal to users with a preference for traditional programming methodologies.

The origins of the BASIC language trace back to May 1, 1964, when John Kemeny and Thomas Kurtz initiated its development with a team of Dartmouth College students. The acronym "BASIC" stems from an unpublished paper by Thomas Kurtz. Originally, BASIC was conceived to enable students to write programs for the Dartmouth Time-Sharing System, targeting users who typically lacked the technical skills or mathematical background expected at that time. The language's ability to facilitate computer use for educational and research purposes was a groundbreaking concept in that era.

BASIC drew inspiration from FORTRAN II, incorporating elements from ALGOL 60 and adaption for time-sharing capabilities. Initially focused on straightforward mathematical operations, it supported matrix arithmetic since its inception as a batch processing language, with character string functionality added by 1965.

The developers made a strategic decision to distribute the compiler free of charge to encourage widespread adoption of the language. Given the context of the 1960s, when software was becoming increasingly commercialized, this decision positioned BASIC as an accessible tool for educational institutions. Furthermore, efforts were made to promote the language within local high schools in Hanover, ensuring its integration into educational curricula. Over time, as various dialects of BASIC emerged, Kemeny and Kurtz's original dialect became recognized as Dartmouth BASIC.