When did you first try Lisp seriously, and which Lisp family member was it?
I first tried Lisp seriously last year (2002), but only fully switched in the last few months. Clisp is my main implementation but I also use SBCL and Corman Lisp.
What led you to try Lisp?
I was impressed by the PLT scheme presentation and very impressed by Paul Grahams talk at LL2. Also I kept trying and learning new languages but lisp always seemed to have the best way of doing things. I kept seeing features in other languages and thinking 'lisp can do that', it just seemed able to handle anything I could throw at it.
Where did your road originate?
I had learned python and enjoyed the ability to do cool functional stuff in it but soon wanted more power. Lisp was exactly what I wanted. I love squeak smalltalk but sadly it's bit of a mess and Common Lisp has the same dynamic features but in a more organised and structured way.
How far have you gotten in your study of Lisp?
Newbie but coming along well. Can be productive but my code is still terrible :-)
Having said that at the moment I am hacking out a co-operative fair threads system in userspace for Clisp. It's a 'worse is better way' of doing things but I think it might still be useful for many people (if I can get it to work!).
What do you think of Lisp so far?
It's fantastic. Seems to be getting better every day and the community is really taking off.
Switch Date 2003 RtL comp-lang-lisp RtL Paul Graham RtL Language Curiosity