Why every Language Other Than LISP is Laughably Wrong
- Leaders:
- Geoff Schmidt, Matt DeBergalis
- Email:
- sipb-iap-lisp at mit dot edu
- Description:
- Most languages are awkward subsets of Lisp; the headline features
of today's "new" languages are often straightforward combinations of
Lisp primitives. What makes Lisp powerful enough to efficiently
implement programming idioms discovered decades after its creation?
We'll see how Lisp starts with a universal data language structurally
similar to XML, picks a convention to describe computation, and then
defines increasingly powerful constructs, from basic language features
to user programs. We'll look at macros, the theory of code as data, and
the Metaobject Protocol, Lisp's generalized object system. Along the
way we'll mock mistakes made by designers of other languages. Contrary
to the title, we'll also discuss the shortcomings of Lisp.
- Class
Schedule:
- 8-10
Jan. 7, 8
- Location:
- 6-120
- Suggested Background or Preparation:
- 6.001 or other functional programming experience
Places to go from here:
Email: sipb-iap-sucker@mit.edu
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