Why functional Python matters

[Duane Rettig]

laotseu <bdesth at removethis.free.fr> writes:

> Ok, cross-posted and fu2 positionned.

[re-cross-posted]

> Lispers friends, let's have you're opinion on that point : is Common
> Lisp a functionnal language ?

Other CL-ers have already correctly answered you.  And the answers
assume an understanding of the dimensions of this question.  There are
in fact at least a couple of dimensions to your question - it can be taken
as either a question of capability or as a question of focus.  The "is",
on the other hand, implies a question of definition (e.g. what _is_ it?)


Definition: CL is a powerful, general-purpose programming language.

Capability:  Can CL users program functionally in CL?  Absolutely.
             Can CL users write non-functional programs?  Absolutely.

Focus:  Does CL focus on or force a functional programming style? No.
        Might some CL users force a functional programming style on
        their programs?  Yes, of course.  Are such users still programming
        in CL?  Yes.  Must other programmers modifying the original code
        stick to the same functional model of programming?  Not by CL
        standards; any such agreement to stay within FP boundaries would
        be external to CL (and would probably involve some kind of monetary
        transaction :-)

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