Re: Please Help!!! Lisp Newbie.

eltoni.91@xxxxxxxxx writes:
Hi everyone. I am 17 year old and I know a little about the basis of
computers and programming. I know very little C. I understand well
topics like memory-management, CPU architecture and the factors of the
difference in speed and memory between High-Level and Low-Level
Languages (or between two "Same-Level" Languages). I have just started
learning a little Lisp, and I found it very interesting, especially
about it's reflectiveness (not saying I feel I am just starting to
love it). However I haven`t gone into the process of learning and
using it profoundly.

I just wanted to know your opinion about some things that make me
unsure about this language:

-Is this language worth using, or at least learning it?

I definitely think so. The scope of Common Lisp can be a little
daunting sometimes (Scheme might be a gentler introduction), but the
journey seems to be worth while so far.

-Should I concentrate into learning it deep into its bases?

-Is it's speed and computer resource management comparable or
acceptable in comparison with other market/industry mainstream
programming languages?

Yes, if you choose a good implementation, I believe it is. Many
implementations compile to native machine code; Steel Bank Common Lisp
is one such implementation for a variety of Unix-like platforms (Linux,
FreeBSD, etc.).

As for projects to get started with, find something interesting to you
and do it. For me that something was a web app server with a blog
engine.

I'd recommend starting by reading Peter Seibel's Practical Common
Lisp[1] -- it's a great introduction with a number of hands-on projects.

- Michael

1. Available online at http://www.gigamonkeys.com/book/

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