Learn Macros in Scheme from On Lisp

Question

I really want to learn Scheme macros. I glanced over the content of "On Lisp" and a lot of the chapters have been devoted to Lisp macros. However I do not know common lisp. Can I use it to learn Scheme Macros?

Answer 1

Scheme macros ("hygienic macros") are completely different from traditional Lisp macros. Some implementations of Scheme offer Lisp macros in addition to Scheme macros, but this is not required by the Scheme standard.

I would recommend you look for instructional materials specific to Scheme macros if you would like to learn about that style of macro. Google shows many pages offering an introduction to Scheme macros.

Answer 2

Re: I dont know anything about macros. What i dont understand is: Are Lisp macros totally unusable in Scheme or Scheme Macros are just "better"? – kunjaan Jun 5 at 16:01

Some Scheme implementations provide a Common Lisp style 'defmacro', but it is not part of the Scheme standard.

I can't comment yet or I would have done so in line.

Answer 3

Re: Nathan Sanders

On Lisp is definitely worth reading; you get a taste for a style of macros and some interesting solutions to problems. Also, you find can better understand the problem that hygienic macros solve.

I can't comment yet or I would have done so in line.