Learn BRAINFUCK with Real Code Examples

Brainfuck operates on a simple memory tape and a pointer, performing operations using only eight commands.

It is Turing-complete, meaning it can theoretically compute anything a conventional programming language can, despite its minimal syntax.

The language is intentionally difficult to read and write, making it more of a mental exercise and educational tool than a practical programming language.

Increment/decrement memory cell value (+/-)

Move pointer left or right (< >)

Input/output operations (, .)

Loop constructs using [ ]

No native variables, functions, or data types

Memory tape: linear array of cells storing numeric values

Pointer: tracks the current cell in the tape

Commands: +, -, <, >, [, ], ., ,

Loops: [ ] execute as long as the current cell is non-zero

Input/output: , reads a character; . writes a character

scripts/ - Brainfuck source files

examples/ - classic Brainfuck programs (Hello World, FizzBuzz)

tests/ - tape state or output verification

docs/ - explanations of loops and memory usage

tools/ - optional interpreters or debuggers

Write Brainfuck code using only the 8 commands

Use loops for repetition and conditional execution

Test code in an interpreter

Debug using memory tape visualization tools if needed

Iterate and optimize for minimal code or specific output

Beginner: simple arithmetic and Hello World

Intermediate: loops and basic algorithms

Advanced: implementing complex algorithms (sorting, Fibonacci)

Expert: code-golfing or Brainfuck optimizations

Educational: understanding Turing-completeness and low-level computation

Brainfuck vs Python: Brainfuck is minimal and esoteric; Python is practical and high-level

Brainfuck vs C: Brainfuck is pointer-tape based; C provides structured low-level operations

Brainfuck vs Assembly: Both are low-level in spirit, but Brainfuck is extreme minimalism

Brainfuck vs JavaScript: Brainfuck is for learning/puzzles; JavaScript is production-ready

Brainfuck vs Malbolge: Both esoteric; Brainfuck slightly easier to reason about

1993 – Brainfuck created by Urban Müller

1999 – First popular online interpreters

2000s – Used in esolang competitions and challenges

2010 – Visualizers and tape debuggers widely available

2020s – Maintained as educational and recreational programming language

Memory tape: linear array of cells storing integers

Pointer: indicates current active cell

Loop: [ ] executes while current cell is non-zero

Cell: individual memory unit, typically a byte

Command: one of the 8 Brainfuck operations