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The release of a 328-byte Forth implementation for the 6502 processor has sparked discussions within the vintage computing community, highlighting both the enduring appeal of minimalist programming languages and the continued relevance of decades-old hardware.The Appeal of Forth and Minimalist ImplementationsThe milliForth implementation for the 6502 processor represents an impressive technical achievement at just 328 bytes, billed as the smallest real programming language ever. While the original article details the technical aspects of implementing Forth on the 6502's architecture, the community discussion reveals a deeper story about why developers continue to create such implementations.I always get the impression that people spend more time writing Forth interpreters, rather than writing Forth programs to solve actual problems.This observation resonates with many in the community, with several developers acknowledging they enjoy the process of creating Forth interpreters as an intellectual exercise. The language's unique design makes it particularly well-suited for this recursive hobby—Forth is excellent for writing Forth interpreters.Forth's Practical Niches in Modern ComputingDespite its apparent status as a hobbyist curiosity, Forth continues to serve practical purposes in specific domains. Community members highlighted several areas where Forth excels:Hardware bootstrapping and bare-metal programming remain Forth's strongest use cases. The language provides a powerful interactive environment for testing and debugging new hardware without requiring complex toolchains or operating systems. As one commenter noted, Forth exposes both problems and solutions that aren't germane to the bulk of everyday computing systems, particularly when developers want a minimalist approach with precise control over hardware.Some developers reported using Forth-based systems that have been running continuously for years, particularly for testing, prototyping, and creating scripts. Others mentioned historical applications, including Forth-based BIOS implementations from the 1980s and engineering solutions on calculators like the HP-48.The Enduring Appeal of the 6502The discussion around this Forth implementation also revealed the surprising longevity of the 6502 processor itself. Originally released in 1975, the 6502 powered iconic computers like the Apple II, Commodore 64, and Atari systems.Community members shared that the 6502 remains in production today, with Western Design Center still manufacturing these chips and offering development boards. Companies like Olimex sell modern 6502-based boards, and enthusiasts can purchase kits to build their own systems.When asked why someone would choose a 6502 over modern microcontrollers like the ESP32, community members emphasized the educational value and accessibility of the older architecture. The 6502's simplicity allows hobbyists to understand every aspect of the system, from the hardware to the software. As one commenter explained, you can slap a 6502 on a breadboard, make your own busses with wires, and understand every single aspect of it.milliForth 6502 Technical SpecificationsImplementation size: 328 bytesThreading models: Direct Thread Code (DTC) and Minimal Thread Code (MTC)Memory layout:$000: Page zero (CPU reserved)$100: Hardware stack (CPU reserved)$200: TIB (terminal input buffer, 80 bytes)$220: Data stack (36 cells, backwards)$260: Return stack (36 cells, backwards)$2E0: PIC (reserved for scratch, 16 cells)$300: main (start of Forth)$777: ends (end of code and primitives)$7E0: init (start of compound dictionary)Notable 6502 Platforms MentionedModern development boards (WDC W65C02SXB, Olimex Neo6502)DIY kits (Ben Eater's 6502 computer)Classic computers (Commodore 64, Apple II)Beyond the 6502: Alternative Vintage CPUsThe discussion naturally expanded to other vintage processors that might be well-suited for Forth implementations. The Motorola 6809 received particular praise as the king of 8-bits, with its architecture making it especially suitable for Forth. Other mentioned processors included the Signetics 2650, RCA 1802, and the enhanced 6309 variant of the 6809.This ongoing interest in vintage computing platforms demonstrates that older technologies continue to provide value—not just for nostalgia, but as educational tools and platforms for exploring fundamental computing concepts. The minimalist nature of both Forth and these classic processors creates an environment where developers can fully understand and control every aspect of their computing experience, something increasingly rare in today's abstracted computing landscape.Whether for practical applications in niche areas or simply for the joy of understanding computing at its most fundamental level, projects like milliForth for the 6502 show that vintage computing remains vibrant and relevant to modern developers.Reference: A milliForth for 6502