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Re: AI, Lisp, Graphics on SUN computers? (Long Message)
- To: peck@sri-spam.ARPA
- Subject: Re: AI, Lisp, Graphics on SUN computers? (Long Message)
- From: kessler%utah-orion@utah-cs (Robert Kessler)
- Date: Wed, 6 Feb 85 21:36:22 GMT
- Cc: ailist-request@sri-ai.ARPA, franz-friends@Berkeley
- In-reply-to: Your message of 06 Feb 85 11:59:58 PST (Wed). <8502062000.AA08198@sri-spam.ARPA>
- Original-date: Wed, 6 Feb 85 14:36:22 MST
> I would like to here from anyone using SUN computers
> who can supply answers or comments on any of these issues:
> Is Franz the only (best) lisp available?
We have finally finished porting Portable Standard LISP (PSL) to yet
another machine. This time it is now running on the SUN. Initial
timing measurements indicate that its speed is somewhere between a
Vax 750 and 780 (all running PSL), and about twice as fast as Franz running
the REDUCE algebra system test on Suns. We are now running the Gabriel
benchmarks to discover where it fits in the set. For more details
see the announcement at the end of this message.
> Has anyone used the Maryland Flavors to create useful tools/extensions?
PSL provides support for a simple flavors package that seems quite
useful. However, the current version has no inheritance.
> Any support for sun graphics (windows, menus,etc) a la Interlisp-D?
We have oload working which allows you to call externally compiled
routines (like other c sources). So the interface should be easy to
add (but we haven't done it).
> Any differential reports of Prolog (Quintus) vs Lisp ?
None that I know of.
> Any obvious alternative to SUN? (vendor in same class (Tektronix?))
PSL also runs on Apollo's and HP Series 200 (both 68K based machines).
We have also ported a simple "educational" version to the 128K
Macintosh which is used in a beginning programming class. We plan on
moving at least the Standard LISP subset and compiler to the 512K mac
(so if you want to go really cheap...... :-) )
> Worst or hidden problems, pitfalls, gotcha's, etc.
We had a lot of problems with the Sun port. Some were hardware
related, others were differences between Unix 4.2 on the Sun and on the
Vax. After we get some more experience using PSL on the machine, maybe
we could report more.
> > Can real AI development (even applications) be supported on SUN's? <
I think so, as long as you can get one with enough memory. Some of our
applications running on HP 9836's (which doesn't have virtual memory)
really fly (better than a 780 in speed). So, memory is really a key to
a fast machine.
>
Bob.
PSL 3.2 for the SUN Workstation
We are pleased to announce that Portable Standard LISP (PSL) version
3.2 is now available for the Sun workstation. PSL is about the power,
speed and flavor of Franz LISP or MACLISP, with growing influence
from Common LISP. It is recognized as an efficient and portable
LISP implementation with many more capabilities than described in
the 1979 Standard LISP Report. PSL's main strength is its
portability across many different systems, including: Vax BSD
Unix, Vax VMS, Extended Addressing DecSystem-20 Tops-20, Apollo
DOMAIN Aegis, and HP Series 200. A version for the IBM-370 is in
beta test and two Cray versions are being used on an experimental
basis. Since PSL generates very efficient code, it is an ideal
delivery vehicle for LISP based applications (we can also provide PSL
reseller licenses for binary only and source distributions).
PSL is distributed for the various systems with executables, all
sources, an approximately 500 page manual and release notes. The
release notes describe how to install the system and how to rebuild
the various modules. We are charging $750 for the Sun version of
PSL for Commercial Site licenses. Non-profit institutions and all
other versions of PSL will not be charged a license fee. We are also
charging a $250 tape distribution fee for each system.
PSL is in heavy use at Utah, and by collaborators at Hewlett-Packard,
Rand, Stanford, Columbia and over 250 other sites. Many existing
programs and applications have been adapted to PSL including
Hearn's REDUCE computer algebra system and GLISP, Novak's object
oriented LISP dialect. These are available from Hearn and Novak.
To obtain a copy of the license and order form, please send a NET
message or letter with your US MAIL address to:
Utah Symbolic Computation Group Secretary
University of Utah - Dept. of Computer Science
3160 Merrill Engineering Building
Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
ARPANET: CRUSE@UTAH-20
USENET: utah-cs!cruse