Donkey.bas, the iconic 131-line BASIC game, celebrates its 45th anniversary. Originally written by Bill Gates and Neil Konzen in 1979 for the IBM PC, it was distributed on early DOS systems to demonstrate the platform's capabilities. The game, a simple driving simulator where players avoid a donkey, became a nostalgic symbol of early personal computing.

The Hacker News discussion reflects on its legacy, with 41 points and 16 comments exploring its impact and simplicity. Many users recall its role in inspiring a generation of programmers. The game's source code, available online, remains a testament to early software engineering.

Despite its primitive graphics, Donkey.bas holds a special place in tech history. It highlights how a small program can spark widespread interest in computing. The anniversary serves as a reminder of the humble beginnings of the software industry.

As of 2024, the game's 45th year marks a milestone for retro computing enthusiasts. The article and comments underscore its enduring charm and educational value in showing what can be achieved with just 131 lines of code.