Actually Common Lisp is not only the extension language, but large parts of the application are written in Common Lisp (plus some C++). Other than that Lisp is a family of diverse dialects with diverse implementations (Scheme, Common Lisp, Emacs Lisp, Visual Lisp, Clojure, Logo, ...) and several others. Strengths are for example:

Jan 10, 2010 · “Lisp is a programmable programming language.” — John Foderaro, CACM, September 1991. Here’s my view: On the surface, Lisp is a nice, simple functional programming language. There’s almost no syntax, and all the pieces fit together in logical ways.

Mar 24, 2016 · LISP is a general purpose programming language, but rarely used as such anymore. In the days of microcoded LISP machines, the entire operating system, including things like network, graphics and printer drivers, were all written in LISP itself. The very first IMAP mail client, for example, was written entirely in LISP.

Jan 17, 2017 · In summary, learning Lisp (or Scheme) may not yield many practical applications beyond AI but it is an extremely valuable learning experience, as many others have stated. Programming in a functional language like Lisp will also help you think recursively (if you've had trouble with recursion in other languages, this could be a great help).

Learning LISP is a good way to learn functional programming effectively, and is often used as an introductory language for undergraduate students. Many people feel that Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs , which uses the Scheme dialect of Lisp, is a book that should be on every programmers shelf.

Apr 9, 2012 · Lisp is a great language for exploratory programming, for implementing difficult algorithms, for self-modifying and often modified code. In other words, for research code. I use lisp today for some of my research code (mathematics, signal processing) because it's more flexible and powerful than most languages while still generating more ...

First of all, Scheme and Common Lisp are fairly different in rather deep ways (like scoping); you should pick one to start with and stick with it for a while. I'm a Common Lisp fan, but that may be one of those vi-vs-EMACS religious questions. For Scheme, go for Kent Dybvig's Scheme Programming Language, followed by SICP.

Feb 22, 2010 · Condition Handling - handle conditions that result from using the programming language in a certain way. Common Lisp provides an advanced way to handle errors. The condition system can also be used to redefine language features. For example one could handle undefined function errors with a self-written autoload mechanism.

Nov 4, 2010 · The things figured out in Lisp before 82 or so are still working their way into mainstream programming languages like C# and Python. Due to the reasonably uniform Lisp syntax, they probably won't ever get all the way in with the ease of using them in Lisp. Things like: dynamic typing -- Possibly a Lisp invention, possibly smalltalk. Not sure.

Jun 15, 2010 · As to which is easier, Lisp or Scheme, being "dialects" of the Lisp family, at the beginner level they are pretty much the same thing and interchangeable. I learned Common Lisp from Peter Siebel's "Practical Common Lisp", then picked up SICP and worked through all the exercises through the first two chapters using Common Lisp rather than Scheme.