[Chicago] Better than Python?

Cosmin Stejerean cstejerean at gmail.com
Fri Apr 11 23:43:10 CEST 2008


I've wanted to write something similar to ParenScript
(http://common-lisp.net/project/parenscript/) but for Python (lisp
syntax that compiles to Python). It never made it very high on my
priority list however.


On Fri, Apr 11, 2008 at 4:22 PM, John Jacobsen <john at mail.npxdesigns.com> wrote:
>
>  I know I'll get jumped on here, and I'm not suggesting it as a
>  replacement for Python, but I personally have an affection for Lisp,
>  primarily because of the macro feature - that you can use the
>  language itself to define new language constructs.  I have not seen
>  this feature in any other language (C/C++ preprocessor macros are
>  laughably feeble compared to real Lisp macros).  Since Lisp macros
>  yield compiled code, they are often blazingly fast as well.
>
>  Python and ancestors have already borrowed heavily from Lisp (loose
>  typing, garbage collection), but having played around with Lisp, I
>  miss the power of macros when writing Python (which I otherwise
>  absolutely love because of the library support and readability of the
>  language).
>
>  I would like to see a language with Python's readability and library
>  support, with the speed(*) and expressive power of Lisp added in.
>
>  John
>  (*)http://www.norvig.com/python-lisp.html
>
>
>  On Apr 11, 2008, at 2:51 PM, Mike Kramlich wrote:
>
>
> > First let me say I love Python and think it's well-designed,
>  > practical, clear, flexible, chocolate-tasting, etc., and it's my
>  > default language for hammering nails.
>  >
>  > That out of the way, I wanted to throw out a question to the list that
>  > I've been wondering about. Does anyone have their eye on any other
>  > language to sort of potentially maybe one day replace Python in their
>  > toolbox. I'm not interested in special-purpose tools that could outdo
>  > Python in one specific area, but rather, something general enough that
>  > means it could be your next big all-purpose Hammer.
>  >
>  > Bonus points if it's not associated with Microsoft, and doesn't
>  > require you to end code blocks with "end". :)
>  >
>  > Mike Kramlich
>  > ZodLogic Games
>  > http://zodlogic.webfactional.com
>  > _______________________________________________
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>
>  John Jacobsen
>  NPX Designs, Inc.
>
>  Contact info: http://www.npxdesigns.com/contact.html
>
>
>
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-- 
Cosmin Stejerean
http://blog.offbytwo.com


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