From: Joe Van Dyk <joevandyk@...>
Date: 2005-09-27T10:53:02+09:00
Subject: Re: Fwd: Lisp macros

On 9/26/05, James Britt <james_b@neurogami.com> wrote:
> Joe Van Dyk wrote:
> > Whoops, this belongs on ruby-talk... Sorry.
>
> I trust the accidental exposure to Lisp wasn't too traumatizing.
>
> Anyway, there have been sporadic discussions both here and on ruby-core
> about adding true Lisp-style macros to Ruby.  My understanding is that
> while Ruby can do assorted flips and twists, it cannot do quite the same
> sort of things as found in Lisp (and I hope a true Lisper here can
> elaborate on this); I also believe that Matz is less than enamored with
> idea of adding this to Ruby (and I hope a true Matz can elaborate on
> this, too).

I'm just repeating what I've heard numerous times, but apparently, you
can only get Lisp macros if the language has lots of silly irritating
parenthesis.  And since Ruby has syntax, it wouldn't be possible.

Or something.  Don't pay attention to me.  I have no clue what i'm
talking about.  :(