Show HN: I Wrote A BASIC Interpreter That Boots On UEFI Machines

A developer has released Thoreau BASIC, a lightweight BASIC interpreter that can boot directly on UEFI systems. This development allows users to run a classic programming environment on modern hardware, a feat previously limited by bootloader and firmware restrictions. The project is notable for its simplicity and compatibility, offering a nostalgic yet functional programming platform for enthusiasts and developers interested in vintage computing.

The developer, who goes by the username ‘showhner’, described Thoreau BASIC as a small, old-fashioned BASIC interpreter featuring line numbers, immediate mode, simple graphics, strings, and arrays. Unlike traditional emulators or virtual machines, this implementation boots directly on UEFI firmware, bypassing the need for an operating system. The project was motivated by a desire to recreate a classic programming environment that is both lightweight and accessible on modern hardware.

The implementation involves a custom UEFI application that initializes the hardware, loads the BASIC interpreter into memory, and presents a command-line interface similar to vintage systems. The developer reports that the interpreter runs smoothly on various UEFI-compatible devices, including recent laptops and desktops, with minimal setup required. The project is open-source and available on GitHub, inviting community contributions and experimentation.

Potential Impact on Vintage Computing and Education

This development matters because it bridges the gap between vintage programming environments and modern hardware. By enabling direct booting of a BASIC interpreter on UEFI systems, it opens new possibilities for educational projects, hobbyist experimentation, and preservation of classic programming skills. It also demonstrates that lightweight, environment-specific interpreters can operate independently of complex operating systems, which may influence future embedded or minimalist computing projects.

Background of UEFI and Vintage Programming Revival

UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) replaced traditional BIOS in most modern computers, providing a more flexible and secure boot environment. Historically, running vintage programming languages like BASIC required emulators or old hardware with BIOS firmware. Recent years have seen a resurgence of interest in retro computing and minimalist programming, driven by hobbyists and educators seeking simpler, more transparent systems. Prior efforts to run BASIC on modern hardware often involved complex setups or virtual machines, making this new UEFI-based approach noteworthy for its directness and simplicity.

The developer’s motivation was to create an environment reminiscent of early personal computers, where BASIC was a primary programming language. This aligns with a broader trend of reviving vintage computing environments to teach programming fundamentals and preserve computing history.

“Thoreau BASIC is designed to be simple, fast, and run directly on UEFI firmware, giving users a nostalgic yet functional environment.”

— showhner, developer

Limitations and Compatibility Questions

It is not yet clear how broadly compatible Thoreau BASIC is across different UEFI implementations and hardware configurations. The developer reports successful tests on several devices, but comprehensive testing across all UEFI firmware variants remains ongoing. Additionally, the long-term stability and security implications of running custom UEFI applications like this are still being evaluated. There is also uncertainty about the potential for expanding features or integrating with other firmware tools.

Future Development and Community Involvement

The developer plans to continue refining Thoreau BASIC, aiming to improve compatibility and add features such as file I/O and enhanced graphics. Community feedback and contributions are encouraged via the project’s GitHub repository. Future milestones include broader hardware testing, detailed documentation, and possibly porting the interpreter to other firmware environments or embedded systems. The project may also inspire similar initiatives for other vintage programming languages or environments.

Key Questions

Can Thoreau BASIC run on any UEFI-compatible device?

It currently runs on several tested devices, but full compatibility across all UEFI systems has not been confirmed. Testing is ongoing.

Does this require modifying the firmware or secure boot settings?

Yes, users may need to disable secure boot or add custom UEFI applications to their firmware, depending on their hardware configuration.

Is Thoreau BASIC open source?

Yes, the project is available on GitHub under an open-source license, inviting community contributions.

What are the potential educational uses of this project?

It provides a simple, accessible environment for learning programming fundamentals, especially for those interested in vintage computing or low-level programming.

Are there plans to add more features to Thoreau BASIC?

The developer has expressed interest in expanding features such as file handling, graphics, and possibly network support in future updates.

Source: hn