Sorcery in the open: is generated code still source code?
semisafe.com
semisafe.com
Minor nitpick: BASIC in early homecomputers (~1980) was usually interpreted. I'd certainly call those machines mainstream at the time (and as article notes, interpreters go back way further).
My thought on the use of the word “mainstream” there was a population larger than computer enthusiasts.
(I can definitely see the ambiguity in how it’s written)