Lsimple

Lsimple is an open-source programming language and accompanying development environment designed to be a small, Lisp-inspired tool for learning and experimentation. The language uses a simple S-expression syntax, supports first-class functions, and provides a Read-Eval-Print Loop (REPL) for interactive development. Implementations are designed to run on multiple platforms and can be used either via an interpreter or a lightweight compiler that targets a compact bytecode VM.

Lsimple originated as an educational project in the mid-2010s and has since grown into a small, community-maintained endeavor. Development takes place on public repositories where contributors can report issues, propose changes, and create new releases. The core language is intentionally minimal, with a small standard library that covers basic data types, input/output, and simple data structures. Extensions and libraries are available through a package system that allows users to add functionality without changing the core language.

Design goals emphasize readability, fast onboarding for new programmers, and predictable behavior. While not intended to compete with full-featured Lisp-family languages, Lsimple is commonly used in introductory courses and by hobbyists who want a compact, approachable Lisp-like tool.

Lsimple’s ecosystem includes documentation, tutorials, and community forums where users discuss syntax, tooling, and best practices. Related languages in the same family include Scheme, Lisp, and Racket, among others.