Lisp with GC in 436 Bytes

SectorLISP, a high-level programming language, has achieved a significant milestone by incorporating garbage collection within a compact 436-byte implementation that fits into the 512-byte boot sector of a floppy disk. This development marks it as the smallest programming language, surpassing FORTH and BASIC. Comprising 223 lines of assembly, SectorLISP allows users to create their own LISP interpreter in just 40 lines of code and is compatible with PC models from 1981 with a minimum of 64KB RAM. The project emphasizes file size optimization, resulting in a system capable of running complex tasks, including a proof assistant from LISP 1.5. Recent updates have streamlined the assembly code, enabling the addition of a 40-byte garbage collector. The software can be emulated using tools like Blinkenlights or QEMU, and a JavaScript version is available for browser use. The implementation features a unique memory model that distinguishes between atoms and cons cells, facilitating efficient data structure management. SectorLISP has been confirmed to run on original IBM PC hardware, showcasing its historical significance. The project not only serves as a technical achievement but also as a playful exploration of programming language design, drawing parallels to games in its approach to minimalism and functionality. The ongoing development includes enhancements to user experience and error handling, making it more accessible for developers.