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Author: viznut_web <viznut_web@web>
Date: Thu, 2 Jun 2022 17:47:13 +0200
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+**Forth** is a [[stack-based]] programming language created in the 1970s by Chuck Moore.
+
+The main benefit of Forth is that it is very small. A classical Forth system takes the roles of the compiler, the editor and the operating system while completely fitting in a memory space of less than 20 kilobytes. The smallness also makes it possible to implement a Forth system from scratch in a weekend.
+
+Forth is usually run with a two-stack virtual machine, so it is much slower than compiled code. However, classical Forth system typically also include an [[assembler]] that can be used to implement speed-critical parts of the program.
+
+Most programmers see Forth as quite esoteric in comparison to other languages. Forth also doesn't "protect" the programmer from its inner peculiarities – even though it is possible to create abstractions, it is not advisable to forget what lies under those abstractions.
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+Forth has been standardized, but Moore himself hasn't cared so much about standardization. The "[[Redo from scratch]]" ideal is quite strong in the Forth culture and exemplified by Moore's own quest for an optimal set of language elements.
+
+See also:
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+* [Thinking Forth (the classical Forth book](http://thinking-forth.sourceforge.net/)
+* [Forth - the Early Years (by Chuck Moore)](https://colorforth.github.io/HOPL.html)
