Description #
Forth is a stack-based, extensible programming language that uses postfix (Reverse Polish) notation. It’s known for its speed, compactness, and direct hardware control capabilities, making it a favorite in embedded systems and low-level programming environments.
History #
Forth was created in the late 1960s by Charles H. Moore for controlling radio telescopes. It was first implemented on an IBM 1130 in 1970 and later spread across minicomputers and embedded systems. Forth influenced later low-level languages and remains relevant in areas requiring real-time control.
Hello World Code #
." Hello, World!" CRHow to Run #
Option 1: Online
Option 2: Local
- Install Gforth:
sudo apt install gforthRun interactively:
gforth
." Hello, World!" CRKey Concepts #
- Stack-based execution model
- Uses postfix (RPN) syntax
- Minimalist syntax with few keywords
- Interpreted and compiled modes
- Direct memory access
- Customizable language through “words”
- Extremely fast and small footprint
- Real-time and embedded system friendly
- Concatenative language structure
- Low overhead and efficient execution
Try It Online #
Fun Facts #
- NASA used Forth in satellites and space probes.
- The name Forth was a truncation of “Fourth” due to file name length limits.
- Some modern BIOS and firmware systems still use Forth variants.
