Factor/Features/The implementation

The Factor implementation:

• Automatic memory management with a Generational garbage collector
• Optimizing compiler for Word definitions
• Non-optimizing compiler for top-level forms and interactive evaluation
• Stand-alone Application deployment on all platforms
• C library interface
• Interactive development
• Bindings for OpenGL, X11, Cocoa, Win32, Windows COM

Factor is implemented with a bit of C++ code in the vm directory, and a lot more Factor code in core and basis. The implementation is partially self-hosting, as explained in a blog post.

• http://factor-language.blogspot.com/2010/01/factors-bootstrap-process-explained.html
• For a history of how we got here, see Implementation history