Question 1

How do I install CLPython in my Common Lisp setup?

Accepted Answer

Use QuickLisp by running `(ql:quickload "clpython")` in your Lisp REPL, which requires ASDF 3.3 or higher. This loads the package and prepares it for running Python code within Lisp.

Question 2

Does CLPython support Python 3 or only Python 2?

Accepted Answer

The README doesn't specify, but given the project's inactivity since 2013, it likely only supports older Python 2.x versions. Check the manual for details, as compatibility with modern Python is limited.

Question 3

CLPython vs Jython: which is better for integrating with Lisp?

Accepted Answer

CLPython is unique because it's written in Common Lisp, enabling deep interoperability with Lisp environments, whereas Jython runs on the JVM and focuses on Java. For Lisp projects, CLPython is the direct choice, though it's less maintained.

Question 4

How can I call a Lisp function from Python code using CLPython?

Accepted Answer

The interoperability feature allows Python to access Lisp libraries directly. You'll need to import Lisp modules in Python, but specific syntax and setup are detailed in the rough manual, requiring some Lisp knowledge.

Question 5

Is CLPython still maintained or updated in recent years?

Accepted Answer

No, the README states it has not been under active development since 2013, so it's largely unmaintained. This means no new features or fixes, making it risky for production use.

Question 6

What's the performance like when running Python in CLPython compared to CPython?

Accepted Answer

As an interpreter implemented in Lisp, CLPython may have overhead and be slower than native CPython, especially for compute-intensive tasks. Performance varies by Lisp implementation and code complexity.

cl-python

What is cl-python?

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