What's the best way to learn LISP? [closed]

Answer 1

I recommend Gentle Introduction to Symbolic Computation or Practical Common Lisp first, based on your programming experiences. For practicing, I use Allegro CL 8.2 Free Express Edition in Windows. It turns practicing into a lot of fun.

Answer 2

Sort of a difficult question to answer ... I think it all depends on your learning style.

I learned LISP in my A.I. and Expert Systems classes in college, but that's how I learn ... I'm not a great book learner, I prefer to have someone explain it to me in a class setting.

LISP is definitely a unique language and it requires a new train of thought if you're used to conventional C, Java, PHP programming.

Best of luck to you !

Answer 3

For web development you might want to have a look at hunchentoot, a web server written in common lisp.

Answer 4

My personal favorite is Abelson & Sussman Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs. It uses Scheme, which is a nice and clean dialect of Lisp.

If you like a more practical approach maybe you should pick some Lisp framework for web design (I have no idea if such a beast exists) and jump right in.

Answer 5

For serious learners, I'd recommend PAIP from Norvig. It is an excellent resource to learn both Lisp and AI.

Answer 6

I'd recommend Project Euler as an excellent source of small bite-sized problems you can use to teach yourself any new programming language.