TL;DR
A programmer has developed a BASIC interpreter capable of booting on UEFI systems. This project demonstrates running vintage programming environments on modern hardware, with potential educational and hobbyist implications.
A developer has created a BASIC interpreter that boots directly on UEFI firmware, enabling users to run a vintage programming environment on modern machines without an operating system. This development is notable because it demonstrates the feasibility of running classic programming languages at the firmware level, which could impact hobbyist projects, education, and retro-computing communities.
The project, titled ‘Thoreau BASIC,’ is a self-contained interpreter written in assembly and C that can initialize directly from UEFI firmware, bypassing the need for an OS. The developer, who posted on Show HN, described the goal as creating a small, old-fashioned BASIC environment with line numbers, immediate mode, simple graphics, string handling, and arrays, reminiscent of vintage computers.
According to the creator, the interpreter is capable of booting on modern UEFI systems, including recent PCs, and can run BASIC programs stored on FAT-formatted drives. The implementation leverages UEFI’s boot services to load and execute the interpreter, which then provides a BASIC environment for users to write and run code directly at the firmware level. The project is open source, with the code available for review and experimentation.
While the project is still in early stages, the developer reports that basic programs run successfully, including simple graphics and string manipulation. The project aims to serve as a proof of concept for running vintage programming languages without a traditional OS, opening possibilities for embedded systems, educational tools, and hobbyist experimentation.
Implications for Retro Computing and Education
This development matters because it demonstrates that vintage programming environments like BASIC can be revived and run natively on modern hardware, without the need for an operating system. It provides a platform for educational purposes, allowing students and hobbyists to explore low-level programming and firmware capabilities. Additionally, it showcases the flexibility of UEFI firmware as a platform for custom software, potentially inspiring further projects that bypass traditional OS layers.
For the retro computing community, this project offers a new way to experience classic programming languages on current hardware, preserving the programming style and environment of earlier decades. It also raises questions about the security and stability of firmware-level programming environments, which are typically more limited but also less exposed to traditional OS vulnerabilities.
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Background: UEFI, Vintage Programming, and Firmware Projects
UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) has become the standard firmware interface for modern PCs, replacing the traditional BIOS. It provides a flexible environment for booting and initializing hardware, and supports custom applications called UEFI drivers or applications. Hobbyists and developers have previously experimented with UEFI to run minimal operating systems, boot loaders, and even small utilities.
Running vintage programming languages like BASIC directly from firmware is less common but has historical precedent in early microcomputers and embedded systems. Projects like minimal interpreters or firmware-based environments have often been limited to specialized hardware or emulators. This new project by the developer marks a significant step toward bringing such environments to mainstream hardware with modern firmware capabilities.
The developer’s motivation, as shared in the project post, was to create a simple, nostalgic environment that could run on any UEFI-compatible machine, emphasizing minimalism and educational value. The project aligns with ongoing interest in low-level programming, firmware hacking, and retrocomputing revival.
“Thoreau BASIC is designed to be a small, straightforward interpreter that can boot directly from UEFI firmware, providing a vintage programming experience on modern hardware.”
— the developer
vintage programming environment USB
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Limitations and Security Considerations of Firmware-Level BASIC
It is still unclear how robust the interpreter is across different hardware configurations or whether it can handle complex programs. The security implications of running custom interpreters at the firmware level are also not yet fully understood. The project is in early development, and comprehensive testing on various systems has not been completed.
Additionally, it remains to be seen whether this approach could be expanded into a more general-purpose firmware environment or if it will be limited to hobbyist experimentation. The potential risks of firmware modification or instability are not yet fully assessed.
Programming Embedded Systems: With C and GNU Development Tools, 2nd Edition
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Future Plans for Enhancing and Testing the UEFI BASIC Interpreter
The developer plans to expand compatibility with more hardware platforms and improve the interpreter’s stability and features. They also intend to add support for more complex BASIC programs, graphics, and possibly network features. Further testing is expected to evaluate security and robustness across different UEFI implementations.
Community feedback and collaboration may influence future development, and the project could serve as a foundation for more advanced firmware-based programming environments. The developer has indicated openness to contributions and suggestions from the tech community.
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Key Questions
Can this BASIC interpreter run on any modern PC?
It is designed to run on UEFI-compatible systems, which includes most modern PCs. However, compatibility may vary depending on specific firmware implementations and hardware configurations.
Does running code at the firmware level pose security risks?
Potentially, yes. Firmware is a sensitive environment, and running custom code could introduce vulnerabilities. The project is in early stages, and security assessments are ongoing.
Is the project open source?
Yes, the code is publicly available, allowing others to review, modify, and experiment with the interpreter.
What are the practical uses of this project?
Primarily educational, hobbyist, and retro-computing interests. It can also serve as a proof of concept for firmware-level programming environments.
Will this replace traditional operating systems?
Unlikely in the near term. It is intended more as a niche experiment and educational tool rather than a replacement for full OS environments.
Source: hn
