EmbeddingGemma 2: an open, lightweight multimodal embedding model
deepmind.google·6d ago
AI Engineering
Hacker News·Aug 23·5 min read
I wrote a BASIC interpreter that boots on UEFI machines and ported it to Windows
TL;DR
A GW-BASIC-compatible interpreter has been developed that runs directly on UEFI machines without relying on an operating system, with a Windows version also available. This solution offers a cleaner approach to booting BASIC programs, utilizing large memory blocks reported by modern firmware.
✦ Why It Matters
Explore this interpreter to enhance your understanding of low-level programming and retro computing.
Key Takeaways
- Experiment with Thoreau BASIC for OS-independent programming.
- Utilize advanced graphics functions for visual applications.
- Leverage high-precision timing for performance-critical tasks.
- Explore extensive memory management capabilities for large data sets.
Full Summary
Thoreau BASIC is a GW-BASIC-compatible interpreter designed to operate on bare metal, meaning it runs directly on hardware without an operating system. It utilizes the largest block of conventional memory reported by the firmware or Windows, allowing for extensive data handling.
The interpreter supports various numeric types, control flow commands, and graphics functions, including 16-color EGA and 24-bit color. Recent updates have significantly improved performance, making it up to 25 times faster for compute-heavy tasks, such as rendering the Mandelbrot set in under 10 seconds.
The interpreter also includes features like multiple text windows and high-precision timing using the CPU's invariant TSC. This development opens up new possibilities for programming in BASIC on modern hardware without the overhead of an OS.