Description #
Forth is a stack-based, compiled language known for its minimal syntax and direct hardware control. It’s often used in embedded systems, firmware, and environments where memory and processing power are limited.
History #
Forth was developed in the 1970s by Charles H. Moore to control telescopes and hardware systems. Its design emphasized simplicity, portability, and efficiency. Unlike traditional languages, Forth operates on a stack and uses postfix notation (Reverse Polish Notation), which leads to terse and compact code.
Hello World Code #
." Hello, World!" CRHow to Run #
Option 1: Online
https://tio.run/#forth
Option 2: Local
Install GForth (GNU Forth):
sudo apt install gforthSave as hello.fs and run:
gforth hello.fsKey Concepts #
- Syntax style: Postfix (Reverse Polish Notation)
- Typing discipline: Untyped (stack-based values)
- Execution model: Compiled to bytecode or native, often interpreted in embedded settings
- Common use cases: Embedded systems, firmware, real-time controllers
- Toolchain or ecosystem: GForth, SwiftForth, VFX Forth
- Paradigms supported: Procedural, concatenative, stack-oriented
- Compilation details: Tokenized and executed via threaded code or direct machine code
- Strengths or quirks: Extreme minimalism, direct hardware access, self-extending syntax
- Libraries/frameworks: Very few; custom extensions are common
- Community/adoption: Niche, but still used in space tech, robotics, and retrocomputing
Try It Online #
Fun Facts #
Forth was used on the space shuttle, astronomical observatories, and Pac-Man arcade boards. Its entire environment, including compiler and runtime, can fit in less than 20 KB.
