MCL 2.0 Press Release

[ALCABES@AppleLink.Apple.COM (Alcabes, Harvey)]

Apple just put out the press release below; I thought you'd all be interested
in knowing about it.
 
--Harvey Alcabes
  Lisp Product Manager
  Apple Computer, Inc.
 
 
 
Apple Announces Macintosh Common Lisp 2.0
 
 
CUPERTINO, California--Wednesday, February 20, 1991--Apple Computer, Inc. today
introduced a new version of its Common Lisp development environment--Macintosh
Common Lisp 2.0.  This interactive programming environment, formerly known as
Macintosh Allegro Common Lisp, makes extensive use of the intuitive Macintosh
graphic interface.  It now offers programmers additional tools and increased
performance to further aid them in their application development.  Macintosh
Common Lisp 2.0 provides these customers with a Lisp programming environment
fully integrated with the Macintosh personal computing platform.
 
Macintosh Common Lisp 2.0 is a full implementation of the current industry
standard Common Lisp programming language, as defined in "Common Lisp:  The
Language, Second Edition," by Guy L. Steele, Jr.  Common Lisp is used on a
variety of computer platforms for a broad range of applications.  Because it is
a dynamic language which provides automatic memory management, Common Lisp
simplifies the creation of complex interactive applications.  This makes it
especially well-suited for rapid prototyping, custom development for business
and education, scientific and engineering applications, and artificial
intelligence research.
 
"Macintosh Common Lisp 2.0 is a dynamic, interactive environment for
object-oriented programming," said David Nagel, Apple's vice president,
advanced technology group.  "Because it provides a very transparent and
powerful environment, users have the ability to explore and develop advanced
and innovative applications, as well as to investigate new technologies."
 
New Features
 
Macintosh Common Lisp 2.0 now offers support for the Common Lisp Object System
(CLOS), the standard object-oriented extension to Common Lisp.  Users will be
able to take advantage of CLOS by writing portable object-oriented code that
can easily be moved between the Macintosh platform and other computer
platforms.
 
Another key feature is the Interface Toolkit, a programming tool that allows
developers to graphically author interfaces for their applications.  Users with
little or no Lisp experience can interactively design fully-functional
Macintosh dialog boxes and menus, within a short time.  The Interface Toolkit
allows users to produce applications with the Macintosh look-and-feel, without
having to generate source code.  Unlike many other interface construction kits,
the Macintosh Common Lisp Interface Toolkit does not require a separate compile
and link stage--the user can manipulate the interface while it is installed and
running on the computer.
 
Macintosh Common Lisp 2.0 also provides improved handling of records and traps.
Interface files allow users to access Macintosh Toolbox routines, including
routines that will take advantage of powerful new features in the forthcoming
Macintosh System 7.0 system software release, such as the Apple events manager.
Users writing extremely large programs with Macintosh Common Lisp 2.0 will be
able to access more than 8MB of memory when using System 7.
 
Additionally, many of the prototyping, programming and debugging tools in
Macintosh Common Lisp have been enhanced with version 2.0.  These include an
incremental compiler, a window-based debugger, a source code stepper, a dynamic
object inspector, and a Macintosh-style Lisp program editor.  These tools work
together to present all programming activities in a high-level, object-oriented
fashion.
 
"Macintosh Common Lisp 2.0 is significantly faster than earlier versions," said
Mike Wirth, vice president of technical development at Petroleum Information.
"Once our development team tried the alpha version, I couldn't get them to go
back.  Macintosh Common Lisp 2.0 really makes our applications fly."
 
Availability
A beta version of Macintosh Common Lisp 2.0 will be available from the Apple
Program and Developers Association (APDA) in late March, 1991.
 
Distribution Channels
Macintosh Common Lisp 2.0 will be distributed by Apple through APDA.  For more
information in the U.S., contact (800) 282-2732; in Canada, (800) 637-0029; or
internationally, (408) 562-3910.
 
Suggested Retail Price
The Macintosh Common Lisp 2.0 beta version will cost $495, which includes a
free upgrade to the final 2.0 version.   Current users can receive an upgrade
to version 2.0 beta, which includes a free upgrade to the final 2.0 version,
for $250.  Site licenses are available.
 
Included with Macintosh Common Lisp 2.0 is a new introductory manual for first
time users.
 
System Requirements
A minimum of a Macintosh Plus personal computer with a hard disk and 2.5MB of
RAM is required; 4MB or more are recommended; system software 6.0.4 or later or
A/UX 2.0.1, Apple's version of the industry-standard AT&T UNIX operating
system.
 
 
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Apple, the Apple logo, Macintosh, A/UX are registered trademarks of Apple
Computer, Inc.  APDA is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.  Allegro Common
Lisp is a trademark of Franz, Inc.  UNIX is a registered trademark of UNIX
System Laboratories.