As you learn Forth, it learns from you (1981)
The Forth programming language is highlighted for its unique features like extensibility, speed, and efficiency. Contrasted with Basic, Forth's threaded code system and data handling methods make it versatile.
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The article discusses the unique characteristics of the Forth programming language, contrasting it with Basic. Forth allows programmers to extend its vocabulary by defining new words in terms of existing ones, resembling human knowledge. Unlike Basic, Forth is both an interpreter and a compiler, using a compact list of subroutines known as "Threaded code" for efficient execution. The article highlights Forth's speed and extensibility, making it suitable for applications like ROMable code for testing or process control. It also explains the fundamental concepts of Forth, such as handling data on a datastack and using reverse Polish notation for arithmetic operations. The article provides examples of Forth syntax, including defining new words, constants, and variables. Additionally, it mentions the development of a Forth version for North Star DOS, emphasizing the efficiency and flexibility of Forth programming. The author's experience in creating a Forth implementation optimized for Z-80 processors is also detailed, showcasing the power and speed advantages of Forth over Basic in microcomputer applications.
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8 commentshttps://thinking-forth.sourceforge.net is worth reading, even if you have no desire to ever program any Forth.
Was it actually possible, back then, to make a living selling Forth for CP/M computers? Or Assemblers? Did Stackworks have an office, with a jaded-looking middle-aged secretary who put out her cigarettes in an ashtray on her desk, before she picked up when the phone rang? A glad-handling salesman who came back to the office every few weeks before going out to sell?
I don't think it has been possible to sell a compiler which isn't a loss-leader in a bundle for what, 30 years?
Or were these side hustles? Alan Ashley, was his day job being a math teacher or something, and he did this to round out his budget?
The industry was a heck of a lot smaller back then, but these old articles mention way more different companies. Seems like before all these behemoth monopolies there was a lot more air to breathe.
I always start out defining the ideal API I want to solve a problem and then solve the problem using the not-yet-implemented API. I then implement the API recursively by adding lower level API’s that makes it easy to solve the higher level API problem. And most of the time I already have a lower level API from a previous project I can easily reuse and perhaps expand.
So I don’t start with the database moving towards the biz logic. I start with the biz logic moving towards the DB (if needed). It works really well.
I think this is similar to how experienced Lisp developers work. Starting out defining a new “language” (a bunch of functions) that makes it easy to solve the problem and then recursively implementing it. However I work in C++ and Typescript not Lisp.
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