The Howdy Glossary

Atari BASIC is a programming language designed for the Atari 8-bit family of home computers and was released in 1979. It came pre-installed in the Operating System ROMs, eliminating the need for additional purchases or hardware. Derived from Microsoft BASIC, it featured line numbers and simple variable types with a unique integration of graphic modes directly into its syntax, making it easier to program graphics for video games and various applications on Atari systems. This simplicity introduced many users to computer programming during the late '70s and early '80s.

Developed by Atari’s programming team, Atari BASIC was adapted from Microsoft BASIC to suit the specific needs of Atari’s 8-bit family of home computers. The language's seamless integration into the Operating System ROMs ensured universal accessibility across all Atari machines. This ubiquitous presence played a significant role in popularizing computer programming among users during that era, helping to foster an interest in coding by providing an accessible entry point into software development.

Atari BASIC stood out due to its inclusion of graphic modes within its syntax, facilitating easy graphics programming essential for game development on Atari hardware. Its line numbering system provided structure and organization within code scripts commonly used in microcomputer dialects at that time. Competing with languages like Apple BASIC, Commodore BASIC, and other variants of Microsoft BASIC tailored for different platforms, each offering unique features suited to their respective systems’ needs, helped cultivate a rich landscape of early personal computing languages. However, Atari BASIC's integrated graphical capabilities and presence within all Atari machines' ROMs made it especially advantageous for fostering creativity and innovation among new programmers drawn to game design on their home computers.