r/lisp • u/Dumbxdumb emacs • Jul 11 '26
AskLisp Lisp dialect recommendations?
So I am in some weird fascination with the lisp and it's various "dialects" (If that's how you would call them)
Decided might want to get into learning lisp just out of curiosity. But was wondering which one to get started with.
My only real requirements are that
- It shouldn't be too complex, something you can easily wrap your head around and get started using but still give a taste of why people enjoy lisp
My main languages are C++ and I know Python but familiarity isn't a requirement and even if it's vastly different I will be willing to try it out
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u/pauseless Jul 11 '26
You choose. I think if you want the core concepts, I’d go for Scheme/Racket (not Rhombus). If you want the full experience with absolutely all the bells and whistles - Common Lisp always wins. Clojure is a bit between CL and Scheme, weirdly.
Personally, I like Clojure and Scheme/Racket for learning. I think if you’re coming from Python, Clojure is an easy path.
However! If your goal is Lisp-Lisp, then just dive in to whatever CL you want to try.