# gforth - GNU Forth for Android

> GNU Forth programming language

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/gnu.gforth](https://chrome-stats.com/d/gnu.gforth)

## Overview

- **ID:** `gnu.gforth`
- **Platform:** Android
- **Type:** Android app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** Bernd Paysan
- **Category:** LIBRARIES\_AND\_DEMO
- **Downloads:** 11,778
- **Rating:** 3.38 / 5 (268 ratings)
- **Version:** 0.7.9\_20251001
- **Last updated:** 2025-11-16
- **First published:** 2013-08-20
- **Publisher country:** DE
- **Size:** 6.55 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-11-05
- **Store listing:** [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gnu.gforth)
- **Website:** [https://wiki.forth-ev.de/doku.php/en:projects:gforth-android:start](https://wiki.forth-ev.de/doku.php/en:projects:gforth-android:start)
- **Privacy policy:** [https://fossil.net2o.de/net2o/doc/trunk/wiki/app-privacy-statement.md](https://fossil.net2o.de/net2o/doc/trunk/wiki/app-privacy-statement.md)

## Description

**gforth - GNU Forth for Android** is the official GNU implementation of the Forth programming language, available as a binary APK for Android devices supporting both ARM and x86 processors. Fully compliant with ANSI Forth and Forth-2012 standards, gforth utilizes GCC to compile efficient direct or indirect threaded Forth code.

This versatile tool provides three main launchers: a fast engine for high-speed programming, a debug engine featuring a precise single-step debugger and exception backtraces, and a demo application showcasing the net2o protocol. Designed to be powerful, efficient, free under GPLv3, and easy to port across platforms, gforth aims to establish a widely accepted standard model for ANSI Forth programming. For an optimal development experience, it's recommended to use specialized soft keyboards like Hacker's Keyboard on Android devices.

Learn more about gforth's source code and Android-specific functionality at [bernd-paysan.de/gforth.html](http://bernd-paysan.de/gforth.html) and [forth-ev.de/wiki](http://www.forth-ev.de/wiki/doku.php/en:projects:gforth-android:start).

## Rankings

- #508,078 — Overall

## Permissions and access

### Permissions

- `android.permission.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_LOCATION_EXTRA_COMMANDS`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE`
- `android.permission.CAMERA`
- `android.permission.INTERNET`
- `android.permission.POST_NOTIFICATIONS`
- `android.permission.READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE`
- `android.permission.READ_MEDIA_AUDIO`
- `android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO`
- `android.permission.RECORD_VIDEO`
- `android.permission.WAKE_LOCK`
- `android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE`
- `com.android.launcher.permission.INSTALL_SHORTCUT`

## Review summary

Users value having a capable GNU Forth implementation on Android, and some say it works well once configured. The most repeated concerns are confusing storage and file access, startup or compatibility problems, and awkward editing or keyboard input. Several reviewers also want clearer guidance on setup and usage.

### Pros

- Brings the GNU Forth language to Android, which reviewers appreciate having on a phone or tablet.
- Several reviewers report that it works well on their devices, particularly after updates or setup adjustments.
- Reviewers describe it as a capable, useful implementation of Forth.

### Cons

- Storage permissions and file access are confusing: reviewers struggled to find the app’s folder, access files, or use files from other locations.
- Multiple reviewers report startup failures, crashes, or blank screens, sometimes tied to a particular Android version or device.
- Editing and input can be difficult, including keyboard compatibility, pasting text, and using the editor.
- Reviewers say the app needs clearer instructions for setup, file handling, and using its features.

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/gnu.gforth)