Common Lisp: An Interactive Approach

Common Lisp: An Interactive Approach is a comprehensive guide to learning Lisp, one of the oldest and most powerful programming languages still in use today. Written by Stuart C. Shapiro, a professor of computer science at the State University of New York at Buffalo, this book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in programming with Lisp.

The book begins by introducing readers to the basics of Lisp, including its syntax, semantics, and data types. From there, Shapiro guides readers through more advanced topics, such as macros, functional programming, and object-oriented programming in Lisp. The book also includes a chapter on debugging and optimization, which are crucial skills for any programmer to have.

One of the unique features of this book is its interactive approach to teaching Lisp. Rather than simply presenting readers with theory and code examples, Shapiro encourages readers to experiment with Lisp in an interactive environment. The book comes with a free software package called Common Lisp: The Language, which includes a Lisp interpreter and development environment that readers can use to practice writing and executing Lisp programs. The interactive approach helps readers gain a deeper understanding of Lisp and encourages them to experiment with the language’s many powerful features.

Another strength of this book is its focus on real-world applications of Lisp. Throughout the book, Shapiro includes examples of how Lisp can be used to solve practical problems in areas such as artificial intelligence, computer graphics, and natural language processing. By showcasing the practical applications of Lisp, Shapiro demonstrates the language’s relevance and utility in modern software development.

Overall, Common Lisp: An Interactive Approach is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning Lisp, whether as a hobby or for professional development. Its interactive approach, focus on practical applications, and clear explanations make it an accessible and engaging guide to one of the most powerful programming languages still in use today.