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

A developer has introduced Thoreau BASIC, a BASIC interpreter capable of booting directly on UEFI-based systems. This development marks a significant technical achievement, as it allows vintage programming environments to run natively on modern computers without traditional operating systems. The project, shared on Show HN, demonstrates the feasibility of running classic programming languages at the firmware level, opening new avenues for hobbyists and developers interested in low-level computing.

The project was initiated by a developer aiming to create a small, old-fashioned BASIC interpreter reminiscent of early personal computers. Unlike typical emulators or virtual machines, this interpreter is designed to load directly from the UEFI firmware, bypassing the need for an OS. The implementation includes features such as line numbers, immediate mode execution, simple graphics, string handling, and arrays, mimicking vintage BASIC environments.

The developer, who goes by the username on Show HN, explained that the interpreter is written in low-level languages suitable for UEFI development, such as C and assembly. The bootloader loads the interpreter into memory during the UEFI startup process, allowing users to interact with BASIC code directly after booting the machine. The project aims to preserve a nostalgic programming experience while demonstrating the technical possibilities of modern firmware.

According to the developer, the project is still in early stages but functional enough to run simple BASIC programs. The code is publicly available, encouraging others to experiment, extend, or adapt the interpreter for various purposes. The project has garnered interest from hobbyists, retro computing enthusiasts, and developers interested in firmware-level programming.

Implications for Retro Computing and Firmware-Level Programming

This development matters because it bridges vintage programming environments with modern hardware capabilities. Running a BASIC interpreter directly from UEFI firmware eliminates the need for an operating system, offering a minimal, self-contained environment for programming and experimentation. It demonstrates that classic languages like BASIC can be preserved and utilized in new ways, potentially inspiring further projects that explore firmware-level computing or embedded systems.

For hobbyists, this project provides a way to revive old programming skills and run classic code on current hardware without emulators. For developers, it showcases the flexibility of UEFI as a platform for custom firmware applications, possibly leading to new approaches in embedded system design or secure boot environments. Overall, it emphasizes the ongoing relevance of low-level programming and the creative reuse of existing technology.

Background and Technical Foundations of UEFI Booting

UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) is the modern replacement for BIOS, providing a more flexible and programmable firmware interface for computers. Traditionally, UEFI systems boot an OS loader, which then loads the operating system. However, UEFI also supports custom applications and firmware-level code, enabling developers to run programs directly during startup.

The idea of booting directly into a programming environment is not new, but implementing a full BASIC interpreter at this level is unusual. Historically, vintage computers like the Commodore 64 or early IBM PCs ran BASIC as a built-in environment or via ROM. Replicating this experience on modern hardware requires writing a minimal interpreter compatible with UEFI’s firmware interface, which involves low-level programming and careful memory management.

The developer’s project builds on existing knowledge of UEFI development, which typically involves C programming and assembly language. The approach involves creating a UEFI application that loads the interpreter into memory during the firmware’s execution phase, allowing direct user interaction after boot. This method preserves the vintage feel while leveraging the capabilities of modern firmware standards.

“I wanted a small, old-fashioned BASIC environment that could run directly on modern hardware without an OS. That’s why I built this UEFI bootable interpreter.”

— Developer (on Show HN)

Current Limitations and Unresolved Challenges

While the project is functional for basic programs, it remains in early development stages. Key limitations include limited graphics capabilities, incomplete support for complex data structures, and a lack of extensive testing on diverse hardware configurations. It is not yet clear how well the interpreter will perform with more complex or resource-intensive BASIC programs.

Additionally, the security implications of running custom firmware applications at startup are not fully addressed, and compatibility with different UEFI implementations remains to be tested. The developer has not yet provided detailed benchmarks or plans for broader distribution beyond initial sharing on Show HN.

Planned Improvements and Future Development Steps

The developer plans to enhance the interpreter’s capabilities by adding support for more advanced graphics, better memory management, and extended BASIC features. Further testing on various hardware platforms is expected to improve compatibility and stability. There is also interest in creating a user interface or menu system accessible directly from UEFI, making the environment more user-friendly.

Community feedback and contributions could accelerate development, with potential collaborations focusing on optimizing performance, expanding language features, or integrating with other firmware utilities. The developer intends to document the project more thoroughly and possibly release a more polished version for broader experimentation.

Key Questions

Can I run my existing BASIC programs on this UEFI interpreter?

In its current state, the interpreter supports basic features and simple programs. Compatibility with complex or large programs is limited, but basic code should run with minimal modification.

How do I install or try this interpreter on my machine?

The developer has shared the source code and instructions on Show HN. It involves creating a UEFI bootable media with the interpreter and booting directly into it, bypassing the operating system.

Is this safe to run on my hardware?

As with any firmware-level code, there are inherent risks. Users should understand that running custom firmware applications can affect system stability and security. Testing on non-critical hardware is recommended.

Will this project support other programming languages or environments?

Currently, the focus is on BASIC, but the approach could be adapted for other simple interpreters or firmware utilities in the future, depending on community interest and development effort.

Source: hn