EDITORIAL
FORTH DIMENSIONS is dedicated to the promotion of extensible, threaded languages, primarily FORTH. Currently we are seeing a proliferation of similar languages. We will review all such implementations, referring to sources and availability.
Our policy is to use the developing "FORTH 77" International Standard as our benchmark.
Variant languages, such as STOIC, URTH, and CONVERS, will be evaluated on their advantages and disadvantages relative to FORTH. However, in evaluating languages named FORTH, we will note their accuracy in implementing all FORTH features. We expect complete versions named FORTH to contain:
- indirect threaded code
- an inner and outer interpreter
- standard names for the 40 major primitives
- words such as ;CODE, BLOCK, DOES>, (or ;:), which allow increased performance.
We hope to enable prospective users/purchasers to correctly select the version and performance level they wish, to foster long-range growth in the application of FORTH.
CONTRIBUTED MATERIAL
FORTH Interest Groups needs the following material:
- Technical material for inclusion in FORTH DIMENSIONS. Both expositions on internal features of FORTH and application programs are appreciated.
- Name and address of FORTH implementations for inclusion in our publications. Include computer requirements, documentation and cost.
- Manuals available for distribution. We can purchase copies and distribute, or print from your authorized original.
- Letters of general interest for publication in this newsletter.
- Users who may be referenced for local demonstration to newcomers.
