First steps

Once you have downloaded a binary package or built from source, you can start Factor as follows:

• Mac OS X: Double-click Factor.app or run open Factor.app in a Terminal to start the UI; run ./factor in the Terminal to start a command-line listener
• Windows: Double-click factor.exe, or run .\factor.com in a command prompt, to start the Factor UI
• Unix: Run ./factor in a shell to start the Factor UI if $DISPLAY is set, otherwise start a command line listener

For more details, see Running Factor.

Taking the plunge

• Start by reading the Factor cookbook and the "Your First Program" tutorial. These can either be read online, or in the UI.
• Although it is an academic article, Factor: A Dynamic Stack-based Programming Language is very helpful for anyone new to factor or even to stack-based programming languages.
• Look at some Examples.

Explore further

• John Benediktsson's web log is regularly updated with introductory Factor examples.
• Chris Double maintains a collection of Factor articles covering various advanced topics.
• Factor on Rosetta Code - Rosetta Code is a website showing the implementation of common tasks in different languages.
• Configure Factor to work with your favorite editor.
• Start a project with the Scaffold tool.

Reference documentation

The Factor environment includes extensive reference documentation. The best way to read the documentation is in the Factor UI; press F1 in the UI listener to open the help browser tool. You can also browse the documentation online at http://docs.factorcode.org. Important subsections on the above site:

• Library reference
• Vocabulary index
• The FAQ will answer the most common questions.

More resources

• Publications
• Coding Style
• Talks
• Screencasts
• Community