From Unikernels and JVM to Forth: A New Paradigm for Cloud Computing?

I’ve recently been in a deep discussion exploring various computational models for efficient cloud computing. We began by introspecting Unikernels, which offer single-purpose OS instances tailored for specific applications, resulting in rapid boot times and minimal resource consumption. The discussion moved to considering a hypothetical “bare metal” JVM or BEAM Machine that provides an OS-like abstraction layer for applications. The idea was to have an environment where developers can focus on application logic, while the underlying system efficiently manages hardware resources.

This line of thinking brought forth an intriguing proposition: Could Forth, known for its interactive and intimate relationship with hardware, be an innovative foundation for cloud and serverless environments? Here are some focal points:

- Interactive System Access: Forth allows for direct memory inspection and modification, potentially streamlining debugging and profiling.

- Minimal Attack Surface: With its compact footprint (often <100KB), Forth’s attack surface is reduced, suggesting enhanced security.

- Parallel Execution Potential: By statically analyzing the Forth dictionary, one could assign specific words or tasks to individual CPU cores, reminiscent of the thread-per-core approach, and potentially bypass traditional thread management overheads.

Given these traits, might Forth be a suitable base for crafting highly efficient, secure, and parallelized systems for specialized cloud applications? Are there pitfalls or challenges I might be overlooking in this approach?

Mindful, this will be a new kind of Forth, one built for Big Iron servers, and where HW resource are prime real state, this could be a very interesting approach to hardness more of the potential on “bare metal”.

I’m eager to gather the community’s insights on this intriguing prospect.