Why are uninterned symbols used for package names and exports in Common Lisp?

Question

In a screen cast on Common List the author uses uninterned symbols for package names and exports.

(defpackage #:foo
  (:use :cl)
  (:export #:bar
           #:ba         


        

Answer 1

#' is a shorthand for the function operator (this is used a few times in the Practical Common Lisp book).