Clozure Common Lisp Alternatives: Discover Your Next Lisp Environment
Clozure CL (often called CCL for short) is a free Common Lisp implementation revered for its fast compilation speed, native threads, and precise garbage collector. While CCL is a powerful tool, developers often seek alternatives due to specific project requirements, platform compatibility, or a desire for different features. This article explores the best Clozure Common Lisp alternatives to help you find the perfect fit for your Lisp development needs.
Top Clozure Common Lisp Alternatives
Whether you're looking for a compiler, an interpreter, or an IDE, the Lisp ecosystem offers a wealth of options. Here are some of the most prominent alternatives to Clozure Common Lisp, each with its unique strengths.
AUMS
AUMS is a Free Personal and Windows-compatible Clozure Common Lisp alternative known for its console-based interface and support for Macros. If you prefer a streamlined, command-line environment, AUMS could be a compelling choice.
Hy
Hy offers a unique approach as a Lisp dialect embedded in Python. This Free and Open Source interpreter, available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, allows you to leverage the entire Python ecosystem while writing Lisp code, making it an excellent Clozure Common Lisp alternative for those looking to bridge Lisp with Python's extensive libraries and object-oriented features.
Steel Bank Common Lisp
Steel Bank Common Lisp (SBCL) is a high-performance, Free and Open Source Common Lisp compiler available on Mac, Windows, and Linux. Known for its robust compiler and integrated debugger, SBCL is a strong Clozure Common Lisp alternative for developers prioritizing compilation speed and powerful debugging tools.
CLISP
CLISP is a portable ANSI Common Lisp implementation and development environment, Free and Open Source, compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux. As a comprehensive Clozure Common Lisp alternative, CLISP offers an interpreter, compiler, debugger, CLOS, MOP, FFI, Unicode, and sockets, making it a versatile choice for various development tasks.
CMU Common Lisp
CMU Common Lisp (CMUCL) is a Free and Open Source, high-performance implementation of Common Lisp, primarily running on most major Unix platforms including Mac and Linux. If you're seeking a robust and conforming ANSI Common Lisp implementation like Clozure Common Lisp, CMUCL is a reliable alternative.
Allegro CL
Allegro CL is a powerful dynamic object-oriented development system available as Free Personal on Mac, Windows, Linux, and BSD. It's particularly well-suited for enterprise-wide, complex application development, offering a comprehensive environment that serves as a strong Clozure Common Lisp alternative for demanding projects.
GNU Common Lisp
GNU Common Lisp (GCL) is the official Common Lisp for the GNU project, Free and Open Source, available on Windows, Linux, and BSD. GCL compiles to native object code by utilizing the system's C compiler, offering good performance and making it a viable Clozure Common Lisp alternative for those deeply integrated into the GNU ecosystem.
LispWorks
LispWorks is a commercial implementation and IDE for Common Lisp, with a Free Personal Edition available on Mac, Windows, Linux, and BSD. For developers seeking a comprehensive and feature-rich integrated development environment as a Clozure Common Lisp alternative, LispWorks provides a polished and professional experience.
Choosing the best Clozure Common Lisp alternative depends on your specific development environment, project requirements, and personal preferences. Explore these options, considering their platforms, open-source status, and unique features, to find the perfect Lisp implementation that aligns with your needs.