LIBPATHClibs

LIBPATHClibs is a term used in certain Lisp environments to refer to a managed collection of directories that contain native libraries used by the Lisp runtime via the foreign function interface (FFI). It functions as a library path for compiled C libraries or other dynamic modules that Lisp code loads at run time.

The primary purpose of LIBPATHClibs is to supply a predictable, project-scoped location for external libraries, reducing dependency on system-wide paths. By organizing libraries into LIBPATHClibs, developers can ensure that the correct versions are found and loaded when a Lisp program requests a native module. This can improve portability across platforms and environments, since the same project can carry its own library set without requiring global installation.

Configuration and usage typically involve a Lisp-level representation or an environment variable that lists one or more directories. At startup, the Lisp system augments its loader’s search paths with entries from LIBPATHClibs, and library loading logic consults these paths before probing standard system locations. The exact mechanism—whether LIBPATHClibs is a Lisp list, a file, or an environment setting—varies by implementation.

LIBPATHClibs interacts with the foreign-function interface and dynamic loader, so compatibility depends on the Lisp implementation and the platform. It is commonly used alongside CFFI or UFFI and requires careful management to avoid version conflicts or symbol collisions. Overall, LIBPATHClibs provides a structured way to organize and locate native libraries within a Lisp project. See also: LIBPATH, FFI, dynamic loading.