The Howdy Glossary

Integer BASIC is an early programming language designed for the Apple II series of personal computers, created by Steve Wozniak and released in 1977. The language supported only integer arithmetic operations, meaning it did not include floating-point numbers. This simplicity allowed Integer BASIC to occupy a smaller memory footprint, ideal for early systems where memory was limited. Despite lacking features like floating-point math, it remained popular among hobbyists due to its ease of use and efficiency for writing simple programs or educational projects.

During its time, Integer BASIC faced competition from other early programming languages developed for personal computers, particularly those targeting the Apple II series. One main competitor was Applesoft BASIC, an extended version of Integer BASIC that incorporated floating-point arithmetic, offering greater mathematical precision but requiring more memory. Another notable competitor was Microsoft BASIC, widely used on various personal computer platforms and providing a more versatile and feature-rich programming environment. Despite this competition, Integer BASIC maintained a niche following among users who valued its simplicity and efficiency.

One significant competitive advantage of Integer BASIC stemmed from its focused design on integer arithmetic operations. By exclusively supporting integer calculations and omitting floating-point numbers, it operated with a smaller memory footprint compared to other languages that included floating-point math capabilities. This efficiency made it attractive for early computer systems with limited memory capacity. Its streamlined approach and minimalist design contributed to ease of use and accessibility for hobbyists and educational users looking for a simple language for basic tasks or educational projects.