loading FORTH via HP-IL to 71B

[rprosperi]

A less precise, but maybe more easily conceptually grasped reply than Sylvain's usual masterpiece is this:

71B Forth does not use the 'read a screen' metaphor common in most Forth implementations. Instead one 'reads' a 71B text file, containing your Forth word definitions using the LOADF command. As the words are processed, they are added into the current vocabulary, and thereafter can be used immediately.

So with all your content in the text file MYWORDS in main RAM of the 71B, just use:

" MYWORDS" LOADF and it will read and process the content into your FORTH system (maintained in the FORTHRAM:MAIN file in RAM).

Also note that if you read this file in again, it will add the new words above the old words (i.e. it will not replace them, they are simply added at the end) and use up valuable RAM. Use the Forth command:

" BLAH" FORGET to remove all the words in your dictionary from the word BLAH to the end.

hth