What is NumStack?
NumStack is a highly minimal stack-based language where nearly all operations are numerical and arithmetic-focused. Unlike general-purpose stack languages that support strings, functions, or control structures, NumStack is designed entirely around manipulating numbers using postfix notation.
Its goal is to reduce programming down to pure numeric reasoning — making execution feel more like operating a calculator than writing code.
Specs
Language Type: Minimalist numeric stack language
Era: ~2020 experimental esolang wave
Execution Model: Postfix evaluation with one global stack
Typing: Numeric-only (integers or floats depending on interpreter)
Primary Use: Mathematical puzzles, code golf, and conceptual simplicity
Example Code (Hello World)
NumStack does not support text output in many versions, but a playful approximation example may exist in some dialects:
72 101 108 108 111 printascii
More standard example (arithmetic):
3 4 + 2 * print
How It Works
NumStack operates with only a few core mechanics:
- Push numeric literals onto the stack
- Execute arithmetic operators that pop values and push results
- Output or inspect the stack state
Common commands include:
| Token | Meaning |
|---|---|
+ |
Add |
- |
Subtract |
* |
Multiply |
/ |
Divide |
% |
Modulus |
^ |
Exponent |
dup |
Duplicate top stack value |
swap |
Swap top two values |
drop |
Remove top of stack |
print |
Output the top value |
Some interpreters optionally include trigonometric or bitwise operations.
Strengths
- Extremely simple and approachable
- Ideal for demonstrating postfix and stack-based computation
- Great for numeric puzzles and golfing
- Easy to write interpreters for (common student project)
Weaknesses
- Very limited practical expressiveness
- Almost no text manipulation or structured programming
- Debugging can be unintuitive when stack depth grows
- Lacks ecosystem, libraries, or complex control constructs
Where to Run
NumStack can be executed via:
- TIO.run interpreter (multiple versions)
- Small command-line interpreters on GitHub
- Educational stack simulation environments
- Browser-based numeric stack playgrounds
Should You Learn It?
- For real-world programming: No
- For exploring postfix numeric reasoning: Yes
- For esolang collecting and experimentation: Absolutely
- For building anything beyond math: Not suitable
Summary
NumStack strips programming down to its numeric essentials, relying solely on a postfix stack model to evaluate expressions. While intentionally limited, it offers a clean and minimal environment for exploring stack behavior, arithmetic logic, and symbolic execution without syntactic distraction.
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