Creating Your First Lisp Project - Quicklisp, asdf, and Packages

Step-by-Step Tutorial: Creating Your First Lisp Project

Step 1: Setting Up the Project Structure

1. Open your terminal.
2. Create a new directory for your project using the command mkdir your_project_name.
3. Consider keeping all your Common Lisp code under the home directory, such as ~/common-lisp, or choose a single directory for all your projects.
4. Create a subdirectory named src where all your source files will be stored.

Step 2: Setting Up the Package

1. Start up your Common Lisp development environment (e.g., Sly).
2. Create your first package by using the code snippet:

   (defpackage basic-test
     (:use :cl))
   

3. Evaluate or compile the package to create it.
4. Switch to the package by using:

   (in-package :basic-test)
   

5. Define a variable within the package, for example:

   (defvar x 10)
   

6. Compile the code to ensure it's working within the package.

Step 3: Defining Routes for the Application

1. Define a route within your application, for example:

   (defun hello ()
     "Hey there")
   

2. Compile the code to define the route.
3. Access the route by running the application and visiting the specified URL.

Step 4: Adding Dependencies

1. Install dependencies like ningle and clack using Quicklisp:

   (ql:quickload 'ningle)
   (ql:quickload 'clack)
   

2. Ensure the dependencies are successfully loaded and available for use in your project.

Step 5: Building the Project with ASDF

1. Define a system within your project by creating a file named your_project_name.asd.
2. Define the system and its components, including dependencies and source files.
3. Load your project into Quicklisp using:

   (ql:quickload 'your_project_name)
   

4. Ensure the project loads successfully and is accessible in your development environment.

Step 6: Creating an Executable

1. Define the build operations within the ASDF file to create an executable.
2. Build the project using the specified entry point and build path.
3. Run the build command to generate the executable for your project.

Step 7: Testing and Running the Executable

1. Test the executable by running it in your development environment.
2. Ensure the application functions as expected and serves the defined routes.
3. Make any necessary adjustments to the code for improvements or additional features.

Step 8: Further Enhancements

1. Explore tools like qlot and clpm for version locking and managing dependencies.
2. Consider using project templates like cl-project for faster project setup and management.
3. Experiment with different project structures and functionalities to expand your Common Lisp skills.

Congratulations! You have successfully created your first Lisp project using Quicklisp, ASDF, and packages. Explore further possibilities and continue building your skills in Common Lisp development.