Editing Inform (section)

== Z-Machine and Glulx ==

The Inform compilers translate Inform code to story files for [[Glulx]] or [[Z-machine|Z-code]], two [[virtual machine]]s designed specifically for interactive fiction. Glulx, which can support larger games, is the default.

The Z-machine was originally developed by [[Infocom]] in 1979 for their interactive fiction titles.  Because there is at least one such interpreter for nearly every major and minor platform, this means that the same Z-code file can be run on a multitude of platforms with no alterations. Originally Inform targeted the Z-machine only.

[[Andrew Plotkin]] created an unofficial version of Inform 6 that was also capable of generating files for [[Glulx]], a virtual machine he had designed to overcome many of the limitations of the several-decades-old Z-machine. Starting with Inform 6.3, released February 29, 2004, Inform 6 has included official support for both virtual machines, based on Andrew Plotkin's work.  Early release of Inform 7 did not support Glulx, but in August 2006 Glulx support was released.