Learn INTERCAL with Real Code Examples
Updated Nov 25, 2025
Practical Examples
Print 'Hello, world!' in INTERCAL
Implement addition or multiplication of numbers
Use COME FROM to control execution flow
Demonstrate use of PLEASE keyword
Obfuscate code intentionally for humor or challenge
Troubleshooting
Check for proper use of COME FROM statements
Ensure politeness level is acceptable to interpreter
Debug output by simplifying code incrementally
Check operators for correct syntax
Consult INTERCAL documentation for esolang quirks
Testing Guide
Run simple output tests first
Validate arithmetic and control flow
Check interpreter error messages for clues
Incrementally build complex programs
Use example programs as reference
Deployment Options
Run programs locally with interpreter
Share as plain text files
Use in coding challenges or esolang competitions
Demonstrate absurdity and humor in programming
Educational demonstrations in CS courses
Tools Ecosystem
C-INTERCAL and other interpreters
Online INTERCAL interpreters and editors
Example code repositories
Esoteric programming communities
Visualization tools are rare
Integrations
Embed INTERCAL interpreters in other programs for demos
Use in code-golf competitions
Teaching tools to demonstrate unconventional programming
Combine with other esolangs for experimentation
Limited integration with modern programming ecosystems
Productivity Tips
Plan control flow before coding
Test small segments incrementally
Keep politeness consistent
Use interpreters with debugging support
Reuse code patterns for repetitive logic
Challenges
Reading and understanding code
Managing non-standard control flow
Debugging without conventional tools
Planning algorithms in absurd syntax
Writing interpretable yet obfuscated code