[cl-faq] Answer to question on getting a Lisp interpreter

[Paolo Amoroso]

I include below another "placeholder quality" answer to the question
of how to get a Lisp interpreter of the FAQ.  I'm not completely
satisfied with it, but it may be a useful starting point.


Paolo

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*** Where can I get a Lisp interpreter?

You probably mean an interactive command processor that accepts Lisp
expressions, evaluates them and prints their results.  If so, you
should simply look for a Common Lisp implementation or development
environment, without regard to how expressions are processed.


Although native machine code Lisp compilers have been available since
the early 1960s, many outsiders still tend to refer to Lisp
environments as "interpreters", with an implied assumption of poor
performance.  This may be because interpreted systems were more common
on widespread machines with limited resources such as personal or home
computers, or because interpreters provided more features for
interactive development.


Most current Common Lisp implementations come with an interpreter and
a compiler, both accessible from the same interactive expression
processor.
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Lisp Propulsion Laboratory log - http://www.paoloamoroso.it/log