Delta Forth .NET

• Download full application (includes C# source code) - 199 KB

Delta Forth .NET - World's first Forth compiler for the .NET platform

Delta Forth is a non-standard Forth dialect. It has several limitations over traditional standards; however it may be an excellent starting point for beginners. The traditional compreter (compiler – interpreter) approach of other implementations did not appeal when the Delta dialect was designed since computers evolved enormously since the original Forth specification was written. Instead, we deal with compiled programs and thus several original Forth words – mainly related to chained execution - have lost their meaning (see STATE, COMPILE, IMMEDIATE, etc.).

It has been stated that a complete traditional Forth environment can be coded by a single person in a three month time frame. I managed to release the beta 1 version of Delta in half that time. Despite the short time it took to be developed, this tool has a long history, being a continuation of the award-winning Delta Forth for Java project that I started back in 1997. At that time, it was the first Forth compiler for Java and was a real surprise when I presented it as my graduation project two years later. The .NET compiler is used to write a part of the software for my Ph.D. thesis.

This software and source code is free of charge. However, since I spent hundreds of hours designing and developing it, your donation would be appreciated. Alternately, you may visit my Amazon Wish List.

Main Features

• Fast compilation of Forth code to IL (no intermediate C# or VB.NET compiling).
• Compilation to .EXE and .DLL.
• Support for integer and string constants.
• Support for local variables.
• Support for include files.
• Support for external libraries.
• Strong signature support.
• C# source code comes along with the full product.

What others have said...

"Well done on your Forth compiler for .NET. It must be over fifteen years since I last touched Forth, but it’s a great example of how the .NET Framework supports stack-based languages well."
Tim Sneath, .NET Developer Group, Microsoft Corp.

"I work with all of our .NET language partners, and noticed your recent announcement of your Forth compiler [...]"
Brad Merrill, Microsoft Corp.

"Excellent work Valer - I'm most impressed!"
Chris Maunder, CodeProject.com

"What a delight to trip across your Delta Forth .NET.  I was wondering who'd have the first FORTH .NET offering. I need wonder no more. [...] Keep up the good work."
Dennis Misener

"I started out with your Delta Forth. NET [...] and found it very interesting using Forth for writing .NET applications."
Lennie De Villiers

Read more on my website at http://www.dataman.ro/