2 months ago
- Lisp is a family of programming languages with many dialects, unlike single-language evolutions like Python or Java.
- Beginners should focus on learning Lisp's programming concepts rather than worrying about which dialect to choose, as switching later is relatively easy.
- Common Lisp (CL) is mature, standardized since 1994, with multiple implementations like SBCL, offering high performance, a powerful REPL, and comprehensive features including CLOS for OOP.
- Clojure is a modern Lisp on the JVM, emphasizing functional programming with immutable data structures, and is widely used in production by companies like Nubank and Netflix.
- Racket is a language-oriented dialect ideal for creating new languages, with features like hygienic macros and Typed Racket, and comes with the DrRacket IDE.
- Elisp is specialized for customizing Emacs and extends editor functionality in real time.
- Choosing a dialect depends on needs: Clojure for modern syntax and JVM integration, Common Lisp for native performance and interactivity, Racket for language design and GUIs, and Elisp for Emacs customization.