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

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A programmer has developed and shared a BASIC interpreter that can boot on UEFI systems. This allows users to run a classic programming environment on modern hardware without traditional OS dependencies. The project is shared on Show HN, highlighting its technical achievement and potential uses.

A developer has released a BASIC interpreter that boots directly on UEFI firmware, enabling users to run a vintage programming environment on modern hardware without needing an operating system. This development demonstrates a technical achievement in low-level programming and firmware manipulation, and it may interest hobbyists, retro computing enthusiasts, and developers exploring firmware-level software.

The project, shared on Show HN, involves a custom-built BASIC interpreter capable of initializing directly from UEFI firmware during the boot process. Unlike traditional interpreters that run within an OS, this interpreter is embedded into the firmware itself, allowing it to load and execute before any operating system is loaded. The developer, who has not disclosed their full identity, aimed for a minimal environment reminiscent of vintage BASIC systems, with features like line numbers, immediate mode, simple graphics, strings, and arrays.

The implementation leverages UEFI’s boot services, enabling the interpreter to load from a FAT filesystem or directly from embedded firmware, and then execute in a pre-OS environment. The project includes a small, self-contained binary that can be placed on a UEFI-compatible device, making it accessible on a variety of modern PCs that support UEFI firmware. The developer has shared the source code and instructions for building and deploying the interpreter, emphasizing its educational and novelty value.

Potential Impact on Retro Computing and Firmware Development

This development matters because it demonstrates that vintage programming environments like BASIC can be run directly on modern hardware without relying on traditional operating systems. It opens possibilities for low-level programming experiments, firmware hacking, and educational projects that explore the capabilities of UEFI firmware. For hobbyists, it provides a way to revive classic programming languages in a modern context, while for developers, it offers insights into firmware-level software design and bootloader customization.

Furthermore, this approach challenges conventional boundaries between firmware and software, showing that complex interpreters can operate in the early boot stages. It also highlights the flexibility of UEFI as a platform for custom firmware applications beyond its typical use as a boot manager. The project could inspire similar efforts to embed other programming environments or tools directly into firmware, reducing dependency on OS layers and expanding the scope of firmware hacking.

Background on UEFI, Firmware, and Retro Programming Projects

UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) replaced the traditional BIOS as the standard firmware interface on most modern PCs, providing a more flexible and programmable environment for system initialization. Unlike BIOS, UEFI supports a richer set of features, including a standardized API for bootloaders and firmware applications. This has made it possible for developers to create custom UEFI applications that run before the OS loads.

In recent years, there has been growing interest in firmware hacking and low-level programming, driven by hobbyists and security researchers. Projects that embed custom code into UEFI firmware, or run minimal environments during early boot stages, have become more common. However, running a full programming language interpreter, like BASIC, directly from UEFI is a novel step, combining retro computing nostalgia with modern firmware capabilities.

The developer behind this project notes that similar efforts have existed for embedded systems and vintage computers, but implementing a BASIC interpreter that boots on UEFI hardware is a new achievement. It builds on prior work in UEFI application development and firmware hacking, but pushes the boundary by creating a self-contained, user-accessible programming environment at the firmware level.

“My goal was to create a simple, vintage-style BASIC environment that can run directly from UEFI, without needing an OS. It’s a proof of concept for firmware-level programming.”

— the developer

Limitations and Compatibility Challenges of the UEFI BASIC Interpreter

It is not yet clear how broadly compatible the interpreter is across different hardware platforms supporting UEFI. The project currently supports a limited set of firmware implementations and hardware configurations, and compatibility issues may arise with certain motherboards or firmware versions. Additionally, the performance and stability of the interpreter in various environments remain untested at scale. The developer has not yet published detailed benchmarks or extensive compatibility reports, so the full scope of its robustness is still uncertain.

Future Developments and Potential Extensions of the Firmware-Based BASIC

The developer plans to expand the project by improving compatibility across more hardware, adding features like file I/O, and possibly creating a minimal development environment for writing BASIC programs directly on UEFI. There is also interest in exploring other vintage languages or tools that could be embedded into firmware, further blurring the lines between firmware and software development. Community feedback and testing will likely shape the project’s evolution, with potential collaborations to refine its capabilities and usability.

Key Questions

Can this BASIC interpreter run on any UEFI-compatible PC?

It currently supports a limited set of hardware configurations, and compatibility may vary. Testing on different systems is ongoing.

How do I install and run this interpreter?

The developer provides instructions for placing the binary on a UEFI-compatible device, typically via a FAT-formatted USB drive, and booting directly into the interpreter during startup.

Does this project require any special hardware or modifications?

No special hardware beyond a standard UEFI-supported PC is needed. No modifications to firmware are required, but secure boot settings may need adjustment.

What are the potential uses of running BASIC at the firmware level?

Uses include educational experiments, firmware hacking, retro programming, and exploring the capabilities of UEFI as a platform for custom applications.

Is the source code available for modification?

Yes, the developer has shared the source code and build instructions, encouraging community experimentation and improvement.

Source: hn