The Story of CP/M and Gary Kildall

CP/M (Control Program for Microcomputers) and its creator, Gary Kildall, played a pivotal role in the early history of personal computing, laying the foundation for future operating systems and software development.

The Birth of CP/M

In the mid-1970s, as microprocessors began to make their way into early personal computers, Gary Kildall, a computer scientist and professor, recognized the need for a standardized operating system. In 1973, he founded Digital Research, Inc., and in 1974, he released CP/M, an operating system designed for Intel 8080-based microcomputers.

CP/M quickly became the de facto operating system for a wide range of early microcomputers. Its simplicity and compatibility with various hardware configurations made it a popular choice among computer enthusiasts and hardware manufacturers.

CP/M's Dominance

During the late 1970s and early 1980s, CP/M dominated the personal computer market. It provided a consistent platform for software developers, allowing them to create applications that could run on any computer running CP/M. This interoperability contributed to the widespread adoption of CP/M-based systems.

One of the key features of CP/M was its file system, which introduced the concept of file extensions (e.g., .COM for executable files and .TXT for text files). This organizational structure influenced future operating systems, including MS-DOS.

The IBM Encounter

In 1980, IBM, a major player in the computer industry, approached Gary Kildall for an operating system for their upcoming personal computer, the IBM PC. The details of the meeting have been a subject of debate, but it is widely known that Kildall was not present for a significant part of the negotiations. IBM subsequently turned to Microsoft, which provided a version of CP/M competitor QDOS (Quick and Dirty Operating System) that eventually became MS-DOS.

Legacy and Impact

Despite losing the opportunity to become the standard operating system for IBM PCs, CP/M's legacy endured. It laid the groundwork for subsequent operating systems and influenced the design of MS-DOS and, indirectly, Windows. Gary Kildall's contributions to the early computing industry are recognized for their impact on software development and the evolution of personal computing.

Conclusion

The story of CP/M and Gary Kildall reflects the dynamic and competitive landscape of the emerging personal computer industry in the 1970s and 1980s. While CP/M may not have become the operating system for IBM PCs, its influence reverberated through the industry, shaping the future of software development and operating systems.