LISP is a computer language that is unique in that it is based on an algebraic structure, the lambda calculus, from pure mathematics. In its purest form,
[1] there is no distinction between data and programming code,
[2] LISP exists within itself in the form of the eval function,
[3] the use of typing on data is optional and necessary only for very large programs,
[4] it is not intended to be procedural, the function definitions of a LISP program could be shuffled before being entered into the machine and they would execute just as well,
[5] assignment statements do not play a major role in LISP computations -- function definitions are commonly used assignments.
[6] memory is managed in terms of linked structures and garbage collection,
[7] LISP is interpreted and so programs can be developed and debugged in an extremely modular form -- line-by-line,
[8] LISP programs easily interact with the host computer's operating system and other programs,
[9] the syntax for LISP is extremely simple and memorable, and [
10] procedures from other languages can be incorperated into a copy of LISP.
The purest form of LISP is SCHEME, industrial strength LISP is Common LISP
[1] there is no distinction between data and programming code,
[2] LISP exists within itself in the form of the eval function,
[3] the use of typing on data is optional and necessary only for very large programs,
[4] it is not intended to be procedural, the function definitions of a LISP program could be shuffled before being entered into the machine and they would execute just as well,
[5] assignment statements do not play a major role in LISP computations -- function definitions are commonly used assignments.
[6] memory is managed in terms of linked structures and garbage collection,
[7] LISP is interpreted and so programs can be developed and debugged in an extremely modular form -- line-by-line,
[8] LISP programs easily interact with the host computer's operating system and other programs,
[9] the syntax for LISP is extremely simple and memorable, and [
10] procedures from other languages can be incorperated into a copy of LISP.
The purest form of LISP is SCHEME, industrial strength LISP is Common LISP
