Re: What is MCL? (long msg)

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

>To: info-mcl
>Path: cambridge.apple.com!apple!voder!pyramid!oliveb!olivea!samsung!sol.ctr.c
>olumbia.edu!bronze!mayer
>From: mayer@bronze.ucs.indiana.edu (Mayer Goldberg)
>Newsgroups: comp.lang.lisp.mcl
>Subject: Re: Request for info on patches to MCL 2.0
>Keywords: patch
>Date: 16 Jul 91 16:13:59 GMT
>References: <1991Jul16.084316.12859@src.dec.com>
>Organization: Indiana University, Bloomington
>Lines: 6
>
>In article <1991Jul16.084316.12859@src.dec.com> meehan@src.dec.com (Jim Meeha
>n) writes:
>>[Welcome to comp.lang.lisp.mcl!]
>
>Could someone explain to me what is MCL? From the posting, I can guess it is
>some Common Lisp for a Mac, but would someone care to comment on it? How much
>does it cost, and how complete of a common lisp is it? Where can it be gotten?
>
>Thanks, Mayer.
 
 
Mayer,
 
I'm sending Apple's official announcements about Macintosh Common Lisp (MCL)
below, our press release announcing version MCL 2.0, the text of the product
description and ordering information from our APDA catalog, and additonal
information on ordering from APDA (Apple's distribution channel for development
tools).
 
I've heard many positive comments about MCL from our current users, but I'll
leave it to them to state opinions about the product.
 
--Harvey Alcabes
  Lisp Product Marketing Manager
  Apple Computer, Inc.
 
 
=======================================================================
 
Macintosh Common Lisp 2.0 Press Release
 
 
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.
 
 
-30-
 
 
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.
 
=======================================================================
 
APDA catalog description of Macintosh Common Lisp v. 2.0B1:
 
 
Macintosh Common Lisp v. 2.0B1   NEW!
Apple Computer, Inc.    Class 1B
 
o Implementation of the Common Lisp standard
o Implementation of the CLOS (Common Lisp Object System) standard
o Interactive interface designer with source code
o Foreign Function Support for MPW v. 3.2 Object Module Format
o Introductory manual included to assist new users
o Beta product includes automatic upgrade to final v. 2.0 product
 
Macintosh Common Lisp 2.0B1 is an a dynamic, interactive environment for
object-oriented programming which is fully integrated with the Macintosh.  This
new version offers additional tools and increased performance to further aid
programmers in their application development.
 
Macintosh Common Lisp implements of the current industry standard Common Lisp
programming language, as defined in "Common Lisp:  The Language, Second
Edition" by Guy Steele Jr.  Common Lisp is used on a variety of computer
platforms for a broad range of applications.  Because it is a dynamic language
and 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 2.0B1 now offers support for the Common Lisp Object
System (CLOS), the industry 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.
 
Macintosh Common Lisp does not assume Macintosh programming experience.
Programmers who are new to the Macintosh will find Lisp's interactive
environment perfect for exploring and learning how to control the Macintosh.
Macintosh Common Lisp's high-level error handling keeps you from facing
machine-code.
 
Macintosh Common Lisp is great  for rapid prototyping. The interactive nature
of Macintosh Common Lisp allows you to try out different ways of doing things,
with immediate results offering you critical feedback. There is no need to
switch from a development-mode to run-mode. With Macintosh Common Lisp you can
test your code incrementally and redefine one function at a time, all without
recompiling the remainder of your application.
 
Many of the prototyping, programming and debugging tools in Macintosh Common
Lisp have been enhanced with version 2.0B1.  These include an incremental
compiler, a window-based debugger, a source code stepper, a dynamic object
inspector, a stack backtrace, a programmable Macintosh-style Lisp program
editor, an on-line help facility, and the Interface Toolkit.  These tools work
together to present all programming activities in a high-level, object-oriented
fashion.
 
The Interface Toolkit is 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 includes full Lisp source code for many examples and
utilities.  Source code for the Interface Toolkit and the Inspector is
provided, so users can customize and extend these tools for their own purposes.
For example, new classes of user-interface objects can easily be added to the
Interface Toolkit.
 
Macintosh Common Lisp 2.0B1 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.  When using System 7,
users writing extremely large programs with Macintosh Common Lisp 2.0 will be
able to access more than 8MB of memory.
 
The Macintosh Common Lisp compiler produces efficient native 680x0 code. File
compilation and incremental compilation are both supported. An evaluator is
provided to support expression-by-expression execution of programs. A snapshot
facility allows saving complete Lisp environments for quick restarts.  A
foreign function interface provides Lisp programs with the capability to call
external procedures such as those written in Pascal, C, or Assembler using MPW
3.2 or earlier.
 
You can compile, test, and debug functions individually. You do not need to
completely recompile and relink an entire program. Macintosh Common Lisp
automatically handles many details, such as memory management.
 
Macintosh Common Lisp can be used  to create double-clickable Macintosh
applications that do not require the presence of the Lisp environment.  Users
will require at least 2 MB of memory to use stand-alone applications created
with Macintosh Common Lisp 2.0B1.
 
Licensing notes
Site licensing and VAR licensing is available for this product. See the
APDAlog's Software Licensing page for full licensing details.
To ship applications built using Macintosh Common Lisp you must submit the
object code distribution license included in the package to Apple.  After
paying a $100 annual fee (or $10 for non-commerical use), you may ship any
quantity of applications created with Macintosh Common Lisp.
 
System requirements
A Macintosh Plus or later with at least 2.5 MB of RAM and 5 MB of disk storage
(at least 4 MB of RAM recommended); Macintosh System Software v. 6.0.4 or
later.
 
Product contents
Six Macintosh disks, "Getting Started with Macintosh Common Lisp" (a 96 page
manual), "Macintosh Common Lisp 2.0 Reference" (a 536 page manual), and "Common
Lisp: The Language, Second Edition" by Guy Steele Jr.  Purchasers of this
product will be sent final Macintosh Common Lisp 2.0 software and documentation
at no additional charge.
 
Related products
You may be interested in one of the many books addressing Common Lisp:
o A Programmer's Guide to Common Lisp, Digital Press, by Deborah Tatar (1987)
o Common LispCraft, Norton & Co., by Robert Wilensky (1986)
o The Little Lisper, trade edition, MIT Press, by Daniel Friedman and Matthias
Fellestien (1987)
o Lisp [3rd edition], Addison-Wesley, by Patrick Winston and Bertold Horn
(1984)
o Lisp: A Gentle Introduction to Symbolic Computing, Harper & Row, by David
Touretzky (1984)
o Object-Oriented Programming in Common Lisp: A Programmers Guide to CLOS,
Addison-Wesley, by Sonya E. Keene (1989)
o Programming in Common Lisp, John Wiley & Sons, by Rodney Brooks (1985)
o Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs, MIT Press, by Harold
Abelson and Gerald Sussman (1985)
 
R0006LL/A   $495.00
 
 
Macintosh Common Lisp v. 2.0B1 Update     NEW!
Apple Computer, Inc.    Class 1B
 
This product updates purchasers of previous versions of Macintosh Allegro
Common Lisp to Macintosh Common Lisp v. 2.0B1 software and documentation at a
reduced price.
 
 
Licensing notes
See Licensing notes  for Macintosh Common Lisp v. 2.0B1.
 
Product contents
Six Macintosh disks, "Getting Started with Macintosh Common Lisp" (a 96 page
manual), and "Macintosh Common Lisp 2.0 Reference" (a 536 page manual).
Purchasers of this product will be sent final Macintosh Common Lisp 2.0
software and documentation at no additional charge.
 
Related product
"Common Lisp: The Language, Second Edition" by Guy Steele Jr. is strongly
recommended for update customers who don't already have a copy.
 
R0007LL/A   $250.00
 
=======================================================================
 
You can contact APDA in the following ways:
 
To contact APDA electronically:
 
    Internet        APDA@AppleLink.Apple.Com
    AppleLink:      APDA
    GEnie:          A.DEVELOPER3
    CompuServe:     76666,2405
    MacNet:         APDA
    MCI:            POSTROM
 
You can also contact APDA as follows:
 
    Telephone:      US:             1-800-282-2732
                    Canada          1-800-637-0029
                    International:  1-408-562-3910
                    Call Mon-Fri 7 am - 5 pm Pacific Time
    Fax:            1-408-662-3971
    TELEX:          171-576
 
    Mail:           APDA
                    Apple Computer, Inc.
                    20525 Mariani Ave., MS 33-G
                    Cupertino, CA  95014-6299  USA
 
 
Customers outside the U.S. must have returned an "International Letter of
Assurance" and "Product End-Use Questionaire" (found at the very back of the
APDA catalog) to APDA before their order can be processed.  You only need to
submit this form to APDA one time.
 
Customers outside the U.S. may be able to purchase APDA products from APDA
programs in other countries.  Contact APDA to find out if there is an APDA
program in your country.
 
 
 
 
Site licenses for Macintosh Common Lisp are available for business and and at
special rates for educational institutions.  For information contact Apple's
Software Licensing Department at (408) 974-4667, AppleLink: SW.LICENSE, or
InterNet: SW.LICENSE@AppleLink.Apple.Com.