{
  "id": 11967308,
  "title": "Thoreau BASIC",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/thoreau-basic",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-04T16:37:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Lobsters",
    "slug": "lobsters",
    "url": "https://thoreaubasic.com/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Thoreau BASIC is a modern BASIC programming language that incorporates advanced features while maintaining compatibility with the classic GW-BASIC syntax. The software is available as standalone EXE and EFI applications, as well as being runnable directly from UEFI firmware without the need for an operating system.\n\nThoreau BASIC offers 64-bit memory support, 24-bit graphics, sprites, mouse input, and networking capabilities via TCP/IP and HTTP. It includes a comprehensive GM/GS wavetable with playback options for MIDI, WAV, FLAC, and Opus files. The language also supports complex, quaternion, and octonion values, making it well-suited for scientific and mathematical programming.\n\nThe interpreter uses just-in-time (JIT) compilation and supports multicore PARFOR parallel processing. A debugger and profiler are included, along with source tools to aid in development. Thoreau BASIC can checkpoint variables to alternating generations using checksummed states for staged saves and verified backups. It features text statistics functions to count words and characters within a range of a string array.\n\nThe system is designed to be portable, running on x64 machines with GOP graphics, firmware or raw HID keyboard input, mouse support, and various networking protocols. Sound playback is handled natively through PCM conversion, with no decompression during music playback. The software can also be distributed as standalone Windows EXE or bootable EFI applications.\n\nThoreau BASIC's development team welcomes bug reports, compatibility notes, and insights into any quirks or edge cases of the BASIC language. The project can be found on itch.io, along with original retro projects for DOS, Commodore 64, and Amstrad CPC. Support for development can be provided via PayPal.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Thoreau BASIC combines classic GW-BASIC syntax with advanced features",
    "Supports 64-bit memory, 24-bit graphics, sprites, mouse, and networking",
    "Includes JIT compilation, multicore processing, and debugging tools"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}