Self-Taught Language Blog Entry #1: Introduction and Resources

As the second oldest high-level programming language (Fortran is one year older), LISP was first conceived in 1958 as a better notation of mathematical calculations for computer programs.  Lisp pioneered AI and many concepts in computer science including conditionals, high-order functions, and recursion.  It is a family of computer programming languages known for the distinctive use of parentheses.  Today the two most widely used dialects are Common Lisp and Scheme, I shall be focusing on Common Lisp.

In order to test and run programs in Common Lisp I will utilize the CMUCL implementation of Common Lisp, found here: http://www.cons.org/cmucl/index.html

Other online resources for this project include:

http://www.tutorialspoint.com/lisp/index.htm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_Lisp

Considering two books:

Common Lisp. The Language. 2nd Edition -- By Guy Steele

Practical Common Lisp, 1st Edition -- By Peter Seibel

LISP was designed by John McCarthy while he taught at MIT.  The original intent of the language was to solve mathematical problems, but it quickly became an effective language for developing artificial intelligence and advanced computer science concepts.

Common Lisp is considered a dialect of Lisp, and it first appeared in 1984.  It continues to be applied to uses in math and artificial intelligence.

Peter Short, CS 270, Jan. 27, 2016, Blog Post #1