HolonJ  -   Writing Java Programs in Forth 

HolonJ creates Java class files from Forth source text, ready for the Java Virtual Machine. 

HolonJ applies the Forth method of programming to Java. With HolonJ you can build Java applications and applets in Forth. See the example applets Clock and Tic Tac Toe.

Benefits of HolonJ

• Forth operational notation (postfix), easy to write, understand and test.
• Less 'noise' in the source. { No block markers }, no statement delimiters ; .  
• No intermediate variables needed. Arguments are passed on a stack.
• Fine source granularity allows clear factoring.
• Hierarchical organisation of the source, like a book with chapters and sections.
• Intrinsic hypertext, immediate access to the definition of every program element.
• Umbilical interactive development into (a monitor in) the JVM.
• Lean system, starts in a second.
• Full access to the Java libraries.

The system includes the monitor JMON, sample applications and applets. 

Download holonj.zip (150 KB) 

Documentation

• See welcome.htm in the HolonJ system for a quick introduction.
• The online manual in HolonJ describes commands and operation.
• The syntax of HolonJ is described in the section HolonJForth.
• For applications see the section Using HolonJ.