The Howdy Glossary

Maclisp is an extension of the Lisp programming language specifically developed in the early 1970s at MIT for implementing Macsyma, a symbolic mathematics software. It was designed to handle large lists and nested structures common in symbolic mathematics, featured garbage collection with a stop-and-copy algorithm for memory management, and supported a high-level mathematical syntax. Developed by key contributors like Carl Hewitt and David Moon, Maclisp's influence is notable in aspects of Common Lisp due to its pivotal role in developing Macsyma.

Maclisp was unique for its ability to manage large lists and intricate nested structures prevalent in symbolic computations. Its implementation of garbage collection using a stop-and-copy algorithm enabled efficient memory management crucial for complex calculations. Designed with high-level mathematical syntax, it streamlined manipulation and computation tasks essential in symbolic mathematics. These tailored features made it particularly effective for supporting Macsyma's operations, distinguishing it as a powerful tool within its niche.

Despite competition from other Lisp dialects like InterLisp and Scheme that had broader objectives including general-purpose programming and educational use, Maclisp maintained distinct competitive advantages. These included efficient handling of large datasets necessary for symbolic mathematics computations, robust memory management through garbage collection techniques, and user-friendly high-level mathematical syntax. Additionally, its close association with Macsyma cemented its role among mathematicians and researchers engaged in advanced symbolic computation tasks, underlining its significance not only during its peak but also as a precursor influencing subsequent developments such as Common Lisp.