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Comment by Buffout | Hacker News Reader

   > "what software do you build in Forth?" they say "Forths"

When you learn that Forth is a broad term that can mean a shell, programming language, application, operating system. compiler, editor, block system, style, etc..., it becomes a little clearer.

Those that ask of purpose of FORTH, is same as those that ask purpose of above mentioned things.

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Okay but what are they doing with that? Is it just the fun of buildings tools with tools?

For me it's good to know the inner details of the tool I'm using. And when I compile executable I know purpose of every byte in it. That's not possible with other languages like GO, that gives you 2MB hello world executable

It's not good to know if you never end up actually using the tool though

Yes, if you don't use tool then it doesn't matter.

With FORTH every WORD is a little program that you use like million of times if it's any good.

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