Do I need a Lisp Machine comeback?
2 days ago
- #Genetic Programming
- #Residential Development
- #Lisp
- The author discusses their obsession with Lisp and unconventional technologies, highlighting potential hidden gems in outdated tech.
- They describe WakeGP, a Rust-based software for Evolutionary Machine Learning, specifically Genetic Programming, used for experiments with different parameters and algorithms.
- The process involves using TOML configuration files, generating datasets, and running Genetic Programming to produce results, with outputs indicating generation progress.
- Finding optimal hyperparameters requires numerous runs and T-tests to compare performance, managed via Python scripts and systemd services for automation and persistence.
- Challenges include slow Python scripts for data extraction and T-tests, managing system resources, and the need for persistent workspaces across reboots.
- The author explores the concept of a Lisp Machine or persistent Lisp shell to address these needs, referencing SBCL's save-lisp-and-die and residential-style development.
- Community feedback highlights issues with residential systems, such as library upgrades and complexity, with references to Interlisp and Richard Stallman's notes on file-based vs. residential systems.