GoKawiilDeveloper outlines 'In Rainbows' spec for memory-mapped I/O devices on the ok virtual machine
A developer has published documentation for 'In Rainbows,' a specification that defines standardized memory-mapped input/output devices for the ok virtual machine, an instruction evaluator with basic stack-based computation. The spec, named after the Radiohead album, assigns 'magic' memory addresses so that reading or writing to them triggers interactions with devices like keyboards or displays, rather than plain RAM access. The author notes the project is still actively in development, with several devices implemented and others planned.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
By standardizing memory-mapped I/O, the project could extend ok beyond a bare-bones instruction evaluator into what its author calls a 'fantasy computer,' making it easier for others to build interactive programs without inventing their own device-mapping schemes. Because the spec is still evolving, early adopters should expect definitions and addresses to change before any stable release.
- 'In Rainbows' is a new specification defining memory-mapped I/O devices for the ok virtual machine.
- It uses 'magic' RAM addresses to let programs read/write to devices like stdin through normal memory operations.
- The spec is actively in development, with some devices finalized and others still planned.
Source: hitogata.neocities.org, 2026-10-22
Published there as: “In Rainbows”
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