The BASIC programming language turns 60 Easy-to-use language that drove Apple, TRS-80, IBM, and Commodore PCs debuted in 1964.

BASIC Beginnings Sooner or later, it was inevitable that someone would come up with a programming language aimed at beginners.

On May 1st, the BASIC programming language, first developed by Dartmouth College Professors Thomas Kurtz and John Kemeny, celebrates 50 years. At the time, computers were highly serial.