// compile.asm:	WORD p_colon[],':'

anchor:p_colon[]

=== Word: :


....
Data stack: ( -- )    Input stream: word
....

":" (colon) is a function word that starts a new forth definition.
This includes reading the next word for making a new dictionary entry
and setting evaluation state to compiling mode.

====
.Word: :
[caption='Definition concept {counter:exec}: ']
----
: : doFORTH READ-WORD CREATE TFA>CFA ! ] ;
----
====

See also <<p_doforth,doFORTH>>, <<p_read_word,READ-WORD>>,
<<p_create,CREATE>>, <<p_tfa2cfa,TFA>CFA>>, <<p_put,!>>,
<<p_left_bracket,]>> and <<p_semicolon,;>>.