💻Common Lisp: The Best Language for Rapid Development
Why Common Lisp is making a comeback for rapid development
TL;DR
Common Lisp, despite its age, offers unique features like macros and image-based updates that make it ideal for rapid development. With LLMs, writing code is faster, but testing it remains the bottleneck.
Common Lisp is often considered the best programming language for rapid development, thanks to its powerful macros and image-based system that allows immediate updates. Large language models (LLMs) can write code quickly, but the real challenge is testing and debugging. Common Lisp's robust error handling and debugging tools make it stand out. With macros, Lisp programs are typically 6-7 times shorter than Python versions, reducing development costs and fitting more code into LLM context windows. Despite being an ANSI standard since 1994, Common Lisp remains relevant with over 2,000 projects in Quicklisp, its main package manager.
Key Points
Common Lisp is the best programming language for rapid development, according to many experts.
LLMs can write code quickly, but testing remains the slow part of the process.
Lisp programs are typically 6-7 times shorter than Python versions, reducing development costs.
Common Lisp's error handling stops and opens a debugger instead of crashing the program.
Quicklisp, the main Common Lisp package manager, has over 2,000 projects available.
Why It Matters
If you're building a rapid development project, Common Lisp's macros and immediate updates can save you time and reduce costs. For example, a Lisp program is 6-7 times shorter than a Python version, fitting more code into the LLM's context window. This is especially valuable for startups or businesses looking to quickly iterate on their product.
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