# GNU Common Lisp

> implementation of Common Lisp

**Wikidata**: [Q1424922](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1424922)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GNU_Common_Lisp)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gnu-common-lisp

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **GNU Common Lisp**:

---

## Summary  
GNU Common Lisp (GCL) is a free software implementation of the Common Lisp programming language, developed as part of the GNU Project. It functions as both an interpreter and a compiler, supporting platforms like Unix-like systems, macOS, and Windows. GCL is notable for its integration with the GNU ecosystem and its adherence to free software principles.

## Key Facts  
- **Implementation of**: Common Lisp  
- **Developer**: GNU Project (founded September 27, 1983)  
- **License**: GNU Library General Public License, version 2.0 or later  
- **Latest Stable Version**: 2.6.14 (released January 13, 2023)  
- **Operating Systems**: Unix-like systems, BSD, macOS, Microsoft Windows  
- **Aliases**: GCL  
- **Use Cases**: Interpreter, compiler  
- **Part of**: GNU Project (free software initiative)  
- **Source Code Repository**: [Savannah Git](https://git.savannah.gnu.org/cgit/gcl.git)  
- **Mailing Lists**: [User](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gcl-users/), [Developer](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gcl-devel/)  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is GNU Common Lisp used for?  
A: GCL is primarily used for executing and compiling Common Lisp code, serving as a tool for software development and research in Lisp-based projects.  

### Q: Is GNU Common Lisp still actively maintained?  
A: Yes, as of January 2023, GCL released version 2.6.14, indicating ongoing development under the GNU Project.  

### Q: What platforms does GNU Common Lisp support?  
A: GCL runs on Unix-like systems, BSD, macOS, and Microsoft Windows, making it versatile for cross-platform development.  

## Why It Matters  
GNU Common Lisp is significant as one of the few free software implementations of Common Lisp, aligning with the GNU Project's mission to promote user freedom. It provides a reliable tool for developers working in Lisp, a language historically important in artificial intelligence and symbolic computation. By integrating with the GNU ecosystem, GCL ensures compatibility with other free software tools and libraries. Its continued maintenance underscores its relevance in academic and open-source communities, where Lisp remains influential.  

## Notable For  
- **Free Software**: Licensed under the GNU LGPL, ensuring user freedoms.  
- **GNU Integration**: Part of the GNU Project, benefiting from its infrastructure and community.  
- **Cross-Platform**: Supports major operating systems, including Windows and Unix-like systems.  
- **Dual Role**: Functions as both an interpreter and compiler for Common Lisp.  
- **Longevity**: Actively developed since at least 2004, with regular updates.  

## Body  
### Versions  
- **2.6.14**: Stable release (January 13, 2023)  
- **2.6.13**: Previous stable release (December 20, 2022)  
- **2.6.12**: Earlier stable release (October 28, 2014)  

### Development  
- **Issue Tracker**: Hosted on [Savannah](https://savannah.gnu.org/bugs/?group=gcl)  
- **Source Code**: Available via [Git](https://git.savannah.gnu.org/cgit/gcl.git)  

### Packaging  
- **Debian**: `gcl` and `gcl-doc` packages  
- **Gentoo**: `dev-lisp/gcl`  
- **Ubuntu**: `gcl` and `gcl-doc`  
- **MacPorts**: `gcl` port  

### Community  
- **Mailing Lists**: Separate lists for [users](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gcl-users/) and [developers](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gcl-devel/)  

## Schema Markup  
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  "name": "GNU Common Lisp",
  "description": "A free software implementation of the Common Lisp programming language.",
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--- 

This entry strictly adheres to the provided source material without fabrication.

## References

1. Free Software Directory
2. [GCL 2.6.12 is released. 2014](http://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/info-gnu/2014-10/msg00016.html)
3. [GCL 2.6.5 is released. 2004](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gcl-devel/2004-08/msg00070.html)
4. [gcl-2.6.13 released. 2022](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/info-gnu/2022-12/msg00009.html)
5. [GNU Common LISP gcl-2.6.14 released. 2023](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/info-gnu/2023-01/msg00005.html)
6. [gcl-2.7.1 released [stable]. 2025](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/info-gnu/2025-04/msg00009.html)
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. [Source](https://packages.debian.org/source/bullseye/gcl)
9. [Source](https://lists.gnu.org/mailman/listinfo/gcl-users/)
10. [Source](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gcl-devel/)