USE WITH TURBO MODE (Shift + green flag) FOR OPTIMAL SPEED Brainƒ*ck has only eight commands and operates on a simple memory model, but it’s Turing complete, meaning it can theoretically compute anything a regular programming language can (though very inefficiently). It’s mainly used as a mental challenge, a joke, or a way to explore how computation works at the lowest possible level. Memory Model: The program uses an array of memory cells (30000), all initialized to zero. Each cell holds an 8-bit number (0-255) There’s a data pointer that starts at the first memory cell and moves left or right across the array. The Eight Commands Brainƒ*ck programs are made up entirely of these characters: Command Meaning > Move the data pointer right by one cell < Move the data pointer left by one cell + Increment the value at the current cell - Decrement the value at the current cell . Output the value at the current cell as a character , Input a character and store it in the current cell [ If the value at the current cell is zero, jump forward to the command after the matching ] ] If the value at the current cell is nonzero, jump back to the command after the matching [ How Programs Work Programs often consist of loops using [ and ], which are the core of all logic in Brainƒ*ck. Example loop: [->+<] This means: While the current cell isn’t zero: Decrement the current cell (-) Move right (>) Increment that cell (+) Move left (<) Effectively, this loop transfers a value from one cell to the next. Example Programs 1. Hello World >+++++++++[<++++++++>-]<.>+++++++[<++++>-]<+.+++++++..+++.[-] >++++++++[<++++>-] <.>+++++++++++[<++++++++>-]<-.--------.+++ .------.--------.[-]>++++++++[<++++>- ]<+.[-]++++++++++. This outputs: Hello World! 2. Echo Input (repeat whatever you type) ,[.,] Explanation: , reads a character into the current cell. . outputs that character. [ … ] repeats until you press EOF (end of input). ? Running Brainƒ*ck Code There are several ways to run Brainƒ*ck programs: Tips for Learning Start small (e.g., increment a cell and print it). Learn common patterns (like loops for multiplication or clearing a cell). Remember that Brainƒ*ck is not practical — it’s an exercise in minimalism and logic.
