Introduction

Brainfuck is a minimalist esoteric programming language designed to be used with as few commands as possible. Although it is difficult to read and write, it is fascinating due to its conceptual simplicity.

The Basics of Brainfuck

Brainfuck uses a memory pointer and eight simple commands:

• > : Increment the memory pointer.

• < : Decrement the memory pointer.

• + : Increment the value at the memory pointer.

• - : Decrement the value at the memory pointer.

• . : Output the character at the memory pointer.

• , : Input a character and store it at the memory pointer.

• [ : If the value at the memory pointer is zero, jump to the instruction after the matching ].

• ] : If the value at the memory pointer is non-zero, jump back to the instruction after the matching [.

Program Example

Let’s look at a simple example that displays “Hello World!”:

++++++++++[>+++++++>++++++++++>+++>+<<<<-]>++.>+.+++++++..+++.>++.<<+++++++++++++++.>.+++.------.--------.>+.>.

Explanation of the Code

Let’s break down the program above:

1. ++++++++++ : Initializes the current cell to 10.

2. [>+++++++>++++++++++>+++>+<<<<-] : Creates a loop to set values in the following cells. After the loop executes: • The first cell contains 0. • The second cell contains 70. • The third cell contains 100. • The fourth cell contains 30. • The fifth cell contains 10.

3. >++.> : Moves the pointer to the second cell, adds 2 (70 + 2 = 72), and outputs the corresponding character (H). Then, moves the pointer to the next cell.

4. +.+++++++..+++. : Increments the value of the cell (to output ‘e’ and ‘l’), then prints the corresponding characters.

5. >++.<<+++++++++++++++.> : Moves the pointer to the next cell, adjusts the value to output ‘o’ and the space character, then moves the pointer and prints ’ ’ (space).

6. ++.+++++.------.--------. : Increments and prints the remaining characters of “World”.

7. >+.>. : Outputs the exclamation point and ends

Conclusion

Brainfuck, though unconventional and difficult to read, is an excellent way to understand fundamental programming concepts and direct memory manipulation. Its minimal commands make the language intriguing and a good exercise for developers looking to deepen their programming knowledge.

Tips for Beginners

1. Practice with simple examples: Start by writing simple programs to understand how the commands affect memory.

2. Use online interpreters: Many online Brainfuck interpreters allow you to test your programs easily. (Personally I use braincode as an interpreter)

3. Consult resources: Look for tutorials and forums for additional guidance and explanations on the language.

Painting :

Character	Meaning
`>`	Increment the data pointer by one (to point to the next cell to the right).
`<`	Decrement the data pointer by one (to point to the next cell to the left).
`+`	Increment the byte at the data pointer by one.
`-`	Decrement the byte at the data pointer by one.
`.`	Output the byte at the data pointer.
`,`	Accept one byte of input, storing its value in the byte at the data pointer.
`[`	If the byte at the data pointer is zero, then instead of moving the instruction pointer forward to the next command, jump it forward to the command after the matching`]` command.
`]`	If the byte at the data pointer is nonzero, then instead of moving the instruction pointer forward to the next command, jump it backto the command after the matching`[` command.

Introduction to Brainfuck: A Minimalist Programming Language