The FORTH file extension is associated with the Forth programming language. Originally designed by Charles H. Moore in the 1960s, Forth offers unique features that still make it a valuable tool for certain types of software development. Files with a FORTH extension typically contain source code written in the Forth language. Multiple tools can open FORTH files and interpret the code within them. This article will explore the primary ways of interacting with these files.

Interpreting FORTH Files With Forth Programming Language Environments

Forth programming language environments such as Starting Forth or GForth are the most 'native' way to interact with FORTH files. These integrated development environments (IDEs) are designed to open, edit, and execute Forth source code. Once the environment is installed, you can typically open a FORTH file by selecting 'File' from the main menu, then 'Open,' and browsing to the file location.

Using Text Editors to View FORTH Files

For those who are mainly interested in studying the source code rather than executing it, virtually any text editing tool can display the contents of a FORTH file. For example, one could use Notepad++ or Sublime Text. After opening the text editor, you would simply need to navigate to the file to open it.

Using Online FORTH File Viewers

If you do not wish to install any software or only need to view a FORTH file once, online file viewers, such as Microsoft's online viewer can be a handy tool. You simply upload your FORTH file, and the viewer displays the contents.

FORTH File Important Information

While we've covered the main methods of opening FORTH files, it's important to remember that not all tools will recognize or correctly display the contents of these files, especially if they contain complex source code. Thus, if you're looking to execute the code within a FORTH file, using an appropriate Forth programming language environment will always be the best approach. Regardless of the method chosen, it's crucial to ensure that the code within the file is from a trustworthy source, as executing malicious code can harm your system.