CompuServe Thread

#lisps for amiga?

8 messages in this thread
#86354From: Jim VentolaSep 25, 1987 5:14 PM
I have an interest in Lisp since I am by trade an English teacher and would like to explore some educational uses. I have read a small bit about Lisp and used to have C-64 Logo, with its list handling features (which I never really got into.) Amiga lisp at around $150 is a bit pricey for an experimental purchase, but I would like to know if it is any good. Also, are there other useful Lisps for Amiga, or should I just learn another language or what? This is, that is, an open-ended question for anyone with an opinion. Thanks. // jim
#86396From: John DraperSep 25, 1987 9:59 PM
Jim, There is a PD Lisp for Amiga called XLisp. I don't know how good it is, but it is in DL 10 as XLISP.ARC It is version 1.6, and I just read a message last night on a local BBS that indicates that there may be a version 1.7 out. Along with the message was a smalle "expert system" written in Lisp that is a knowledge base for the diagnosis of Amiga problems. I'll see if I can scar up any info on it. Regards, Larry.
#86496From: Jim VentolaSep 26, 1987 12:07 PM
Thanks, Larry. I think a PD Lisp may be just what I need for now, since I really only want to play around with Lisp to see how it goes. If I decide on Benchmark, I will have spend lots of dollars on languages (COMAL will be bought immediately, of course.) BTW, have you heard of any PROLOG for Amiga? It sure is frustrating to be in this small market and have to wait for software that may indeed never show up. Let's hope lots of A-500s are sold to spur on the developers. From a message here, I get the impression we may see some nice work from Europe. // jim PS–would it be possible and feasible to write modules in Modula-2 to emulate the list processing capacity of Lisp–or would it be bettet to use Lisp for that?
#86513From: John DraperSep 26, 1987 2:17 PM
Jim, I don't know if there is a PROLOG coming for Amiga. I hope so, language junkie that I am. As for emulating list processing in M2, well, I really don't know. You can probably do it, but I have found that radically different languages seldom map well, one to the other. On the other hand, there is nothing to stop someone from writing a Lisp in M2. Regards, Larry.
#86855From: Ed SilvaSep 29, 1987 12:29 AM
Where is this PD LISP…? Ed Silva
#86868From: John DraperSep 29, 1987 5:18 AM
Ed, (and Jim)… I have just uploaded XLisp 1.7, which is the latest version I know of. It is now ready in DL 10 as XLISP.ARC Enjoy, Regards, Larry.
#86878From: Jim VentolaSep 29, 1987 12:34 PM
Dear Larry-Merci beaucoup! I am looking forward to the new toy. Next is this: Is there a PD C compiler? I notice that MS DOS folks can get into C for well under $100. While Lattice seems from what I hear to be an excellent company, the price of their C is a bit steep for someone who just wants to "play around" a bit before making a decision. I think I have decided that ultimately I will want at least a READING knowledge of C so I can get some use of the intermediate and advanced books about the Amiga that I see. Whether I would want to WRITE it is another question. Thanks again. // Jim PS I just found a book from MIT called "Little Lisper" which teaches Lisp using programmed instruction. Ed Silva may be interested in that.
#86897From: John DraperSep 29, 1987 4:43 PM
Jim, There were some people working on a PD C compiler, including Jeff Lydiatt (Aterm, CP, UUCP), but he has been busy with other things recently, and hasn't done much with it lately. It was semi-working. I'll check with him nexy oops.. .next chance I get and ask where it stands now. Regards, Larry.