← Starting Henceforth

Episode 1

What is Henceforth?

A calculator you can teach — that also writes Bitcoin.

1:38 · Vivaldi · Allegro (RV 269 i)

Watch here · code in the app

Henceforth is the real terminal — one purchase ($9.99) for iPhone, iPad and Mac. Type the commands below into the app as you watch.

Code along

Tap to copy, then type it into Henceforth.

What you’ll learn

  • FORTH is a calculator you talk to in postfix: 2 3 + .
  • You can teach it new words — : double 2 * ; — then reuse them.
  • The same machine writes Bitcoin Script, and a payment reads like a sentence.
Transcript
  • so — what IS this thing?
  • watch. it answers by doing.
  • give it two numbers… and +.
  • it added them. it's a calculator.
  • but here's the good part —
  • i just taught it a word.
  • double means times two.
  • see that? it knows double now.
  • words you make. that's the idea.
  • now… the other half.
  • same prompt. watch closely.
  • these are bitcoin words.
  • that's the shape of a coin-lock.
  • same machine. just more words.
  • one last word — read it slow.
  • pay rent: send 1000 there.
  • it reads like a sentence.
  • and it's also a payment.
  • that's henceforth.
  • one prompt. you teach it. let's go.