Learn SNOBOL with Real Code Examples
Updated Nov 20, 2025
Learning Path
Learn SNOBOL basic syntax
Understand string and pattern types
Practice pattern matching and substitution
Build small text-processing programs
Explore symbolic computation examples
Skill Improvement Plan
Week 1: String variables and assignments
Week 2: Basic pattern matching
Week 3: Conditional execution and loops
Week 4: Complex pattern and symbolic computation
Interview Questions
What is a SNOBOL pattern?
How does SNOBOL handle string substitution?
What are dynamic variables in SNOBOL?
Explain pattern concatenation and alternation
When would you use SNOBOL over other languages?
Cheat Sheet
STRING = 'Hello World'
PATTERN = 'H' . ANY 'o'
STRING PATTERN = 'X'
IF PATTERN = STRING THEN ...
OUTPUT = STRING
Books
Programming in SNOBOL4 by Griswold
The SNOBOL Programming Language
SPITBOL User Guide
Tutorials
SNOBOL Tutorial for Beginners
Pattern Matching with SNOBOL
SPITBOL Programming Guide
Official Docs
SNOBOL4 Language Reference
SPITBOL Documentation
Historical Bell Labs Reports
Community Links
Historical SNOBOL mailing lists
StackOverflow SNOBOL tag
GitHub legacy SNOBOL projects
Community Support
Historical SNOBOL mailing lists
Classic programming forums
StackOverflow SNOBOL tag
Academic papers and courses
GitHub historical SNOBOL projects