SwiftForth is FORTH, Inc.’s interactive development system for Windows, Linux, and macOS environments. SwiftForth is based on the Forth programming language, which for over 40 years has been the language of choice for engineers developing software for challenging embedded and real-time control systems. SwiftForth uses the power and convenience of the Windows, Linux, and macOS operating systems to provide the most intimate, interactive relationship possible with your application, to speed the software development process, and to help ensure thoroughly tested, bug-free code. It also provides a number of libraries and other programming aids to speed your application development.
This manual describes the basic principles and features of the SwiftForth Interactive Development Environment (IDE), including features specific to the i386 and x64 processor families and to the Windows, Linux, and macOS host systems.
Scope of this Manual
The purpose of this manual is to help you learn SwiftForth and use it effectively. It includes the basic principles of the compiler, multitasker, libraries, development tools, and recommended programming strategies.
This manual does not attempt to teach Forth. If you are learning Forth for the first time, install this system and then turn to Forth Programmer’s Handbook, which is included as a PDF in your SwiftForth installation. Paper copies of this book, as well as the tutorial textbook, Forth Application Techniques, may be purchased from the Forth Books page.
How to Proceed
If you are not familiar with Forth, start by reading the first two sections of Forth Programmer’s Handbook, or work through the first six chapters of Forth Application Techniques. Then experiment with this system by examining some of the sample programs described in Section 1.4.2 and by writing simple definitions and testing them.
Support
The support period included with the original purchase of a SwiftForth system or version upgrade is one year. During the support period, you are entitled to unlimited downloads of new releases as well as engineer-level technical support via email. The support period may be renewed in one-year increments.
Please submit support requests using the support request form on our website.