Difference between C Language and LISP Language

In this article, we will discuss the C and LISP languages. But before discussing their differences, we must know about the C and LISP languages.

What is the C language?

The C programming language is used for procedural programming. It was created to be compiled with the support of a compiler. The language has a limited amount of keywords, such as if/else, for, while, etc. In this language, we can include multiple tasks in one expression. Functions are also used in C, and they can return values that can be neglected when not required. Although every data has a type, we can automatically transform it.

C is a programming language widely used in the semiconductor, hardware, and storage sectors. It is most popular with developers because it can handle low-level coding and can also be used in embedded software development.

Characteristics of C Language:

The following are the most essential characteristics provided by C programming languages:

It contains built-in functions and operators that can deal with almost any complicated problem.
C combines low-level (assembly) and higher-level programming languages. It may be used to develop applications and interfaces by using low-level system memory and hardware.
It has the flexibility to be written on any operating system and is compatible with most mobile devices.
Because of the assistance offered by its datatypes and operators, programs written in C run quickly.
It is easily adaptable because C++ evolved from C with extensions like OOPS and other characteristics.
The libraries given by the programming language themselves provide the functions and operators.

What is the Lisp language?

Lisp is a programming language in which all actions, so-called procedures, function like functions. Procedures return results in the form of objects containing data. They are often generally referred to as "functions" despite the fact that they may have negative effects.

It is one of the second-oldest high-level programming languages, which was created in 1958 at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology by John McCarthy.

Features of LISP:

Some main features of the LISP Programming Language are as follows:

It is a part of the programming languages that is not dependent on machines.
It is easily expandable and supports iterative design techniques.
It helps in dynamic program construction.
It offers advanced debugging.
It is compatible with object-oriented programming.
It also has datatypes, including objects, structures, lists, vectors, adjustable arrays, sets, trees, hash tables, and characters.
It is a language that uses expressions.
It can handle many decision-making expressions such as if, when, case, and condition.
It will also allow iteration statements such as do, loop, loop, do, and dolist.
It will provide input and output capabilities.
We can also write our methods using Lisp.

Key Differences between the C and LISP:

Difference between C Language and LISP Language

Here are the differences between C Language and LISP Language:

Features	C Language	LISP
Definition	Statement-oriented programming, Procedural oriented programming.	This programming model is versatile, encompassing both functional and procedural characteristics
Design	System programming, low-level processes, and effective resource consumption.	Symbolic computing, artificial intelligence, and language flexibility.
Syntax	Structured syntax using braces, semicolons.	Prefix based notations were used.
Datastructures	Primitive data types, structs, arrays,pointers.	Fundamental data structures that support more complicated data structures such as arrays and trees.
Control	Conditionals (if-else) and loops (for, while).	Conditional expressions and recursion.
Memory	Pointers are used to manage memory manually.	The automatic memory management can be done by Garbage collection.
Usage	It is used extensively in system programming, embedded systems, and software development.	It is primarily used in artificial intelligence, language processing, symbolic computing, and prototypes.
Features	Access to hardware, fast execution, and comprehensive library support.	Dynamic typing, programming as data (homoiconicity), commands, and metaprogramming skills are all available.
Protability	Platform portability is moderate.	It is very portable because of its interpreter-based design.
Error	Error-prone as a result of manual memory management.	Error management and runtime evaluation are well supported.
Extension	When compared to Lisp, it is less versatile and extendable.	Highly extendable, allowing for the quick introduction of new language constructs.
Community	A large community and a wealth of documentation.	A smaller community of devoted and active Lisp consumers.
Learning Curve	The learning curve is steeper, especially for memory management techniques.	Although various approaches might require adaption, basic syntax is required.