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LispWorks
Cambridge, England, United Kingdom
What it is
LispWorks is an implementation of ANSI Common Lisp that combines a compiler, interpreter, runtime system, language extensions, an IDE, and the CAPI portable GUI toolkit. It runs on Windows, x86_64 Linux, ARM Linux, macOS, FreeBSD, and x86/x64 Solaris, with source code compatibility across supported platforms. Development features include an integrated debugger, build and testing tools, Foreign Language Interface, ASDF3 integration, code coverage, and multi-thread profiling. Enterprise Edition adds Common SQL database access through ODBC or native Oracle, PostgreSQL, and MySQL interfaces, along with LispWorks ORB, KnowledgeWorks, and embedded Prolog. Other interfaces include Java, OpenSSL, ActiveX, and COM. Personal Edition is free for personal and educational programming but limits heap size, ends sessions after five hours, and excludes application delivery. Evaluation downloads last one month. Professional and Enterprise editions are required for commercial use; pricing starts at $500, while the Personal Edition is free.
For and against
For
- Compiler, interpreter, runtime, IDE, and GUI toolkit
- Source compatibility across supported platforms
- Integrated debugger, testing, and build tools
- Enterprise database interfaces through Common SQL
- One-month evaluation downloads available
Against
- Personal Edition limits heap size and session length
- Personal Edition cannot deliver applications
- Commercial use requires Professional or Enterprise
- Technical support otherwise requires a support contract
The verdict
LispWorks provides a broad Common Lisp development environment with cross-platform support and optional enterprise integrations. Edition restrictions and Personal Edition limits are important when selecting it for commercial or individual work.
Who it suits
It suits Common Lisp developers needing an IDE, compiler, runtime, and portable GUI toolkit across several desktop and Unix-like platforms. Commercial teams should consider Professional or Enterprise editions, while personal learners can use Personal Edition within its limits.
Plans and prices
Personal Edition
personal and educational use · heap size limit · 5-hour sessions · no application delivery
Read 8 Oct 2026 · lispworks.com
Enterprise Edition
Professional features · Common SQL database interfaces · LispWorks ORB · KnowledgeWorks and embedded Prolog
Read 8 Oct 2026 · lispworks.com
HobbyistDV Edition
individual use only · non-commercial, non-business and non-academic · runtime executables and libraries allowed for non-commercial use
Read 8 Oct 2026 · lispworks.com
Hobbyist Edition
individual use only · non-commercial, non-business and non-academic · 32-bit and 64-bit licenses sold separately
Read 8 Oct 2026 · lispworks.com
Professional Edition
commercial Common Lisp development and application delivery · 32-bit and 64-bit licenses sold separately · no runtime license fees
Read 8 Oct 2026 · lispworks.com
On the record
- Cross-platform code
- LispWorks states that its source code is compatible across all supported platforms.lispworks.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Edition restrictions
- Professional and Enterprise editions are required for commercial use; Hobbyist editions are for individual non-commercial, non-business and non-academic use.lispworks.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Enterprise database connectivity
- Enterprise Edition provides database access through ODBC or native Oracle, PostgreSQL and MySQL interfaces via Common SQL.lispworks.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Evaluation
- Evaluation licenses are provided as downloads, last one month, and have no purchase commitment; LispWorks may extend them if the customer is still considering a purchase.lispworks.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- IDE and language features
- The feature list includes an IDE, CAPI portable GUI toolkit, Foreign Language Interface, ASDF3 integration, code coverage tools and multi-thread profiling.lispworks.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Maintenance
- Maintenance contracts are available for Professional and Enterprise editions, last one year, and provide free upgrades to product releases while current.lispworks.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Maker and location
- LispWorks Ltd says it launched in January 2005 and gives its registered address as St John's Innovation Centre, Cowley Road, Cambridge CB4 0WS, England.lispworks.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Other integrations
- The feature list also identifies a Java interface, OpenSSL interface, ActiveX support, and COM server and client interfaces.lispworks.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Personal Edition limits
- Personal Edition is free for personal and educational Lisp programming, but limits heap size, ends sessions after five hours, and does not support application delivery.lispworks.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Platform support
- The product page lists Windows, x86_64 Linux, ARM Linux, macOS, FreeBSD and x86/x64 Solaris as supported platforms.lispworks.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The privacy statement says LispWorks will not transfer personal information to third parties unless required by law and describes handling it confidentially under applicable laws.lispworks.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Product
- LispWorks is an implementation of ANSI Common Lisp with a compiler, interpreter, runtime system, language extensions, CAPI portable GUI toolkit and IDE.lispworks.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Security
- The feature list states that TCP/UDP sockets support SSL and IPv6, and that an OpenSSL interface is available.lispworks.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- New license purchases include 30 days of Getting Started support for installation and typical new-user issues; technical support otherwise requires a support contract.lispworks.com · read 8 Oct 2026
