2025 was another exceptional year for GCBASIC, the open‑source BASIC compiler designed for 8‑bit microcontrollers.
Since its inception in 2005, when Hugh first wrote the compiler, GCBASIC has now been available for 20 years. Over those two decades, it has grown to become the leading 8‑bit compiler for PIC, AVR, and LGT microcontrollers. The project continues to evolve, with new capabilities, improved performance, and a growing user base.
Here’s a look at some of the key achievements and developments from the past year.
Expanded Microcontroller Support
This year, GCBASIC added support for over 85 new microcontrollers, including additional AVRDx and PIC variants.
The compiler now supports more than 1,500 microcontrollers, reinforcing its position as one of the most comprehensive BASIC compilers for 8‑bit devices.
Enhanced Features and Support
EEPROM and Data Blocks
Continued refinement of EEPROM and data block support has improved persistent data handling, making it easier to store and manage configuration settings directly on the microcontroller.
Floating‑Point Expansion
Floating‑point support for PIC devices has been further optimised, enabling more advanced mathematical operations and expanding the scope of scientific and control applications.
GLCD Improvements
Graphical LCD support has been streamlined, allowing for faster rendering and better integration with user interface libraries.
BLOCKLY Integration
A major milestone in 2025 was the addition of BLOCKLY support.
This visual programming interface allows users to build programs by dragging and dropping code blocks. It has proven especially valuable for educators, beginners, and those transitioning from visual tools to embedded development.
GC STUDIO and GC CODE
GC STUDIO and GC CODE remain the cornerstone development tools for GCBASIC users.
With ongoing updates to usability, syntax highlighting, and device integration, these tools continue to provide a robust and intuitive programming environment.
GC STUDIO offers powerful project management features.
GC CODE provides precise editing tools and improved syntax intelligence.
Together, they remain indispensable for both hobbyists and professionals.
Compiler Efficiency and Improvements
The GCBASIC compiler has seen further optimisations in 2025, resulting in:
Faster compile times
Reduced code size
Improved memory usage across supported devices
These enhancements contribute to smoother development cycles and more efficient embedded applications.
Website Enhancements
The GCBASIC website at gcbasic.com has been further improved to support the growing community:
Streamlined navigation and search
Expanded documentation and tutorials
A new contributor spotlight section
Enhanced support portal with real‑time troubleshooting tips
These updates aim to make the site a central hub for learning, sharing, and collaborating.
New Demonstration Programs
Dozens of new demo programs have been added, showcasing real‑world applications and helping users quickly understand how to implement features such as:
Timers
Interrupts
GLCDs
Serial communication
Tool Chain Updates and Community Support
2025 saw an impressive 205 changes to the GCBASIC tool chain, reflecting the project’s commitment to continuous improvement and responsiveness to community feedback.
These changes spanned every aspect of the compiler and ecosystem:
Device Support Expansions
Added compatibility for dozens of new PIC and AVRDx devices.
Improved support for niche LGT variants, ensuring broader coverage for hobbyists and industrial users.
Compiler Core Optimisations
Reduced code footprint across multiple instruction sets.
Enhanced memory allocation routines for more efficient use of limited RAM.
Faster compile times through streamlined parsing and optimisation passes.
Language Feature Enhancements
Extended floating‑point support for PIC devices.
Improved handling of EEPROM and data blocks.
Expanded GLCD libraries for richer graphical interfaces.
Bug Fixes and Stability Improvements
Corrected long‑standing edge cases in interrupt handling.
Fixed inconsistencies in serial communication routines.
Addressed timing issues in PWM and ADC modules.
Tooling and IDE Integration
Updates to GC STUDIO for smoother project management.
Syntax highlighting and auto‑completion improvements in GC CODE.
Better error reporting and diagnostics during compilation.
Documentation and Examples
Refined inline help and compiler messages.
Added dozens of new demonstration programs covering timers, GLCDs, and communication protocols.
Improved tutorials and troubleshooting guides on gcbasic.com.
Community‑Driven Refinements
Incorporated user‑requested features from the forums.
Adjusted libraries and defaults based on real‑world project feedback.
Strengthened collaboration with contributors worldwide.
Together, these 205 changes represent a year of steady, iterative progress — not just in adding new features, but in polishing the reliability, usability, and breadth of GCBASIC. They demonstrate the project’s philosophy of continuous refinement and responsiveness to its community.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Exciting developments are planned for the coming year:
GC CONFIGURATOR
An AI‑assisted tool for generating starter programs and configuration templates, designed to simplify development for all skill levels.
8051 Microcontroller Support
Official support for 8051 devices will open new possibilities for legacy and industrial applications.
New Debugger
A completely new software and hardware debugger will enable real‑time monitoring, step‑through execution, and hardware‑level diagnostics.
String Array Support
After an unsuccessful attempt in 2025, a renewed effort will aim to implement full string array support.
Local Variable Support
Planned introduction of local variables will improve program structure, reduce memory conflicts, and make code more modular and maintainable.
Conclusion
2025 has been a year of steady growth and refinement for GCBASIC. With expanded device support, improved tooling, and a vibrant community, the project remains a vital resource for embedded developers.
This year also marks a special milestone: 20 years of GCBASIC, since Hugh first wrote the compiler in 2005.
Few open‑source projects endure and thrive for two decades, and this anniversary is a testament to the dedication of its contributors and community.
As we look ahead to 2026, the roadmap is full of promise.
Thank you to everyone who contributed, tested, documented, and supported the project this year. A special thanks to Angel for his continued leadership and guidance.
Let’s raise a virtual glass to GCBASIC — celebrating 20 years of innovation, and looking forward to an even brighter future.
Angel and Evan
❤️
3
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8051 support and hardware debugging WOW! can't wait :-
microchip's debug tools are obsolete within a few years and frequently buggy themselves!
The greatcowbasic toolchain is a real winner already; but this steps up another level.
👍
3
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Huge congratulations to the GCBASIC team on an incredible 2025! Reaching the 20-year mark since Hugh first wrote the compiler is a testament to the project's resilience and the value it provides to the maker community. Learn more about the project's journey and how it has evolved over the years.
Last edit: Andrew King 3 days ago
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GCBASIC Project: 2025 Year in Review
2025 was another exceptional year for GCBASIC, the open‑source BASIC compiler designed for 8‑bit microcontrollers.
Since its inception in 2005, when Hugh first wrote the compiler, GCBASIC has now been available for 20 years. Over those two decades, it has grown to become the leading 8‑bit compiler for PIC, AVR, and LGT microcontrollers. The project continues to evolve, with new capabilities, improved performance, and a growing user base.
Here’s a look at some of the key achievements and developments from the past year.
Expanded Microcontroller Support
This year, GCBASIC added support for over 85 new microcontrollers, including additional AVRDx and PIC variants.
The compiler now supports more than 1,500 microcontrollers, reinforcing its position as one of the most comprehensive BASIC compilers for 8‑bit devices.
Enhanced Features and Support
EEPROM and Data Blocks
Continued refinement of EEPROM and data block support has improved persistent data handling, making it easier to store and manage configuration settings directly on the microcontroller.
Floating‑Point Expansion
Floating‑point support for PIC devices has been further optimised, enabling more advanced mathematical operations and expanding the scope of scientific and control applications.
GLCD Improvements
Graphical LCD support has been streamlined, allowing for faster rendering and better integration with user interface libraries.
BLOCKLY Integration
A major milestone in 2025 was the addition of BLOCKLY support.
This visual programming interface allows users to build programs by dragging and dropping code blocks. It has proven especially valuable for educators, beginners, and those transitioning from visual tools to embedded development.
GC STUDIO and GC CODE
GC STUDIO and GC CODE remain the cornerstone development tools for GCBASIC users.
With ongoing updates to usability, syntax highlighting, and device integration, these tools continue to provide a robust and intuitive programming environment.
Together, they remain indispensable for both hobbyists and professionals.
Compiler Efficiency and Improvements
The GCBASIC compiler has seen further optimisations in 2025, resulting in:
These enhancements contribute to smoother development cycles and more efficient embedded applications.
Website Enhancements
The GCBASIC website at gcbasic.com has been further improved to support the growing community:
These updates aim to make the site a central hub for learning, sharing, and collaborating.
New Demonstration Programs
Dozens of new demo programs have been added, showcasing real‑world applications and helping users quickly understand how to implement features such as:
Tool Chain Updates and Community Support
2025 saw an impressive 205 changes to the GCBASIC tool chain, reflecting the project’s commitment to continuous improvement and responsiveness to community feedback.
These changes spanned every aspect of the compiler and ecosystem:
Device Support Expansions
Compiler Core Optimisations
Language Feature Enhancements
Bug Fixes and Stability Improvements
Tooling and IDE Integration
Documentation and Examples
Community‑Driven Refinements
Together, these 205 changes represent a year of steady, iterative progress — not just in adding new features, but in polishing the reliability, usability, and breadth of GCBASIC. They demonstrate the project’s philosophy of continuous refinement and responsiveness to its community.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Exciting developments are planned for the coming year:
GC CONFIGURATOR
An AI‑assisted tool for generating starter programs and configuration templates, designed to simplify development for all skill levels.
8051 Microcontroller Support
Official support for 8051 devices will open new possibilities for legacy and industrial applications.
New Debugger
A completely new software and hardware debugger will enable real‑time monitoring, step‑through execution, and hardware‑level diagnostics.
String Array Support
After an unsuccessful attempt in 2025, a renewed effort will aim to implement full string array support.
Local Variable Support
Planned introduction of local variables will improve program structure, reduce memory conflicts, and make code more modular and maintainable.
Conclusion
2025 has been a year of steady growth and refinement for GCBASIC. With expanded device support, improved tooling, and a vibrant community, the project remains a vital resource for embedded developers.
This year also marks a special milestone: 20 years of GCBASIC, since Hugh first wrote the compiler in 2005.
Few open‑source projects endure and thrive for two decades, and this anniversary is a testament to the dedication of its contributors and community.
As we look ahead to 2026, the roadmap is full of promise.
Thank you to everyone who contributed, tested, documented, and supported the project this year. A special thanks to Angel for his continued leadership and guidance.
Let’s raise a virtual glass to GCBASIC — celebrating 20 years of innovation, and looking forward to an even brighter future.
Angel and Evan
Hipp, hipp -Hurra! -Hurra! -Hurra!
8051 support and hardware debugging WOW! can't wait :-
microchip's debug tools are obsolete within a few years and frequently buggy themselves!
The greatcowbasic toolchain is a real winner already; but this steps up another level.
Huge congratulations to the GCBASIC team on an incredible 2025! Reaching the 20-year mark since Hugh first wrote the compiler is a testament to the project's resilience and the value it provides to the maker community. Learn more about the project's journey and how it has evolved over the years.
Last edit: Andrew King 3 days ago
Thank you!