Shelisp is a concise tool that facilitates Unix shell composition and execution.
I recently tried out Shelisp, a unique program that allows you to compose and execute Unix shell commands and structures using Common Lisp. Upon launching, you will need to input `lisp -load shelisp.lisp` in the command prompt to start CMU Common Lisp. Once it’s running, a prompt (*) will appear, indicating that you can begin experimenting with the program.
For those who are more familiar with Emacs, you have the option of using the easier command M-x cmulisp to launch the `inferior lisp’ mode. After that, type in `(load "shelisp.lisp")` to start using Shelisp. Interestingly, Shellisp’s ability to escape to the shell is achieved via `!`. A classic example is typing in `!ls` which will execute the shell command -- running a bash instance and passing the command to it.
What’s particularly cool about Shelisp though is that it allows users to operate under the guise of being in Lisp. For instance, after opening Shelisp, type in `(defun factorial (x) (if (zerop x) 1 (* x (factorial (1- x))))`. You can then type in `FACTORIAL` followed by `(factorial 33)` and obtain the result 8683317618811886495518194401280000000.
To use `$` in Shelisp, simply input “!” followed by the rest of the line you want executed. Shelisp will interpret the next(line) until there is no new line character with an unescaped apostrophe. For instance, input in `!echo ?(+ 2/3 2/11)` and Shelisp will use the `?` escape to apply the total new lisp code in the Shell command. It replaces the `?` with the result generated post-execution.
Overall, the Shelisp application is an interesting choice for those who like experimenting with Lisp and UNIX shell structures.
For those who are more familiar with Emacs, you have the option of using the easier command M-x cmulisp to launch the `inferior lisp’ mode. After that, type in `(load "shelisp.lisp")` to start using Shelisp. Interestingly, Shellisp’s ability to escape to the shell is achieved via `!`. A classic example is typing in `!ls` which will execute the shell command -- running a bash instance and passing the command to it.
What’s particularly cool about Shelisp though is that it allows users to operate under the guise of being in Lisp. For instance, after opening Shelisp, type in `(defun factorial (x) (if (zerop x) 1 (* x (factorial (1- x))))`. You can then type in `FACTORIAL` followed by `(factorial 33)` and obtain the result 8683317618811886495518194401280000000.
To use `$` in Shelisp, simply input “!” followed by the rest of the line you want executed. Shelisp will interpret the next(line) until there is no new line character with an unescaped apostrophe. For instance, input in `!echo ?(+ 2/3 2/11)` and Shelisp will use the `?` escape to apply the total new lisp code in the Shell command. It replaces the `?` with the result generated post-execution.
Overall, the Shelisp application is an interesting choice for those who like experimenting with Lisp and UNIX shell structures.
What's New
Version 2: N/A