Developer releases Forth-inspired language for web development

A software engineer and former climate scientist has developed a stack-based, Forth-inspired programming language named "forge" for creating websites. The system utilises a binary compiler that converts .forge files into HTML, offering a distinct approach to web development that prioritises structural simplicity and explicit state management.

The architecture supports dual rendering modes to balance performance with accessibility. Server-side rendering ensures content is indexable by search engine crawlers and compatible with WebMentions, while client-side rendering via service workers facilitates a single-page application (SPA) experience. When a user navigates between pages, the service worker captures the request, fetches the source file, and builds the HTML on the fly within the browser.

State persistence is a core feature of the language, allowing developers to store data in localStorage or utilise server-side append-only JSONL logs. This capability enables interactive elements such as "like" buttons and form submissions. For instance, a user interaction can append a value to a specific topic in a JSONL log, with the target page responsible for processing the stored data via log-append functions.

The language also includes a library of word definitions designed to simplify the integration of microformats into HTML. Each site is structured as a collection of pages, a library of definitions, and a stylesheet, with the compiler exposing both the generated HTML source and the original .forge source code upon page visit.

The creator, who identifies as a musician and webmaster, describes the project as an exploration of ideas rather than a finished product. While the tool is currently highlighted on Hacker News, the developer notes they are still evaluating its viability and may eventually adopt it for their own site.