We have succeeded in extending Forth to provide the string processing and pattern matching functions typified by the SNOBOL4 language. These functions were implemented in a manner easy for experienced Forth programmers to assimilate.
In doing so, we have added to the Forth system a true dynamic memory manager, a content-addressible store, a goal-directed evaluation mechanism, and a library of primitive functions. To a large extent, these additions are "factorable," and can be extracted and used separately for those applications not requiring the full capabilities of this new "patternForth" language.