LispWorks
LispWorks is an implementation of ANSI Common Lisp for programming and application development.
What LispWorks is
LispWorks is an implementation of ANSI Common Lisp for programming and application development. It includes a compiler, interpreter, runtime system, language extensions, an IDE, and CAPI, a portable GUI toolkit. LispWorks says source code is compatible across Windows, x86_64 Linux, ARM Linux, macOS, FreeBSD, and x86/x64 Solaris. Development features include a Foreign Language Interface, ASDF3 integration, code coverage tools, multi-thread profiling, an integrated debugger, and build tools. The feature set also includes Java, OpenSSL, ActiveX, and COM interfaces. Enterprise Edition adds database access through ODBC or native Oracle, PostgreSQL, and MySQL interfaces via Common SQL. Professional and Enterprise editions are required for commercial use. Personal Edition is free for personal and educational programming, but has a heap-size limit, ends sessions after five hours, and does not support application delivery. Evaluation licenses are downloads that last one month with no purchase commitment. Paid plans start at $500.
Good
- Includes compiler, interpreter, runtime, and IDE.
- CAPI provides a portable GUI toolkit.
- Lists multiple Linux, Windows, macOS, and other platforms.
- Enterprise Edition includes database interfaces.
- One-month evaluation licenses have no purchase commitment.
Watch out
- Personal Edition limits heap size.
- Personal Edition sessions end after five hours.
- Personal Edition does not support application delivery.
- Commercial use requires Professional or Enterprise.
Who it suits
LispWorks suits developers working in Common Lisp who need an IDE and platform-specific edition choices. Personal Edition is for personal or educational use; commercial use requires Professional or Enterprise.
Verdict
LispWorks offers a broad Common Lisp development environment with free personal use and higher editions for commercial work. Check the edition restrictions and platform requirements before selecting a license.
Plans and prices
From LispWorks's own pricing page, checked 8 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Edition | Free | personal and educational use · heap size limit · 5-hour sessions · no application delivery |
| Enterprise Edition | Priced on request | Professional features · Common SQL database interfaces · LispWorks ORB · KnowledgeWorks and embedded Prolog · 32-bit and 64-bit licenses sold separately |
| HobbyistDV Edition | Priced on request | individual use only · non-commercial, non-business and non-academic · runtime executables and libraries allowed for non-commercial use |
| Hobbyist Edition | Priced on request | individual use only · non-commercial, non-business and non-academic · 32-bit and 64-bit licenses sold separately |
| Professional Edition | Priced on request | commercial Common Lisp development and application delivery · 32-bit and 64-bit licenses sold separately · no runtime license fees |
The facts
Each one read from LispWorks's own pages, with the date it was checked.
Where it runs
- Cross-platform code
- LispWorks states that its source code is compatible across all supported platforms.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Platform support
- The product page lists Windows, x86_64 Linux, ARM Linux, macOS, FreeBSD and x86/x64 Solaris as supported platforms.checked 8 Oct 2026
What it does
- Edition restrictions
- Professional and Enterprise editions are required for commercial use; Hobbyist editions are for individual non-commercial, non-business and non-academic use.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Enterprise database connectivity
- Enterprise Edition provides database access through ODBC or native Oracle, PostgreSQL and MySQL interfaces via Common SQL.checked 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.checked 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.checked 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.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Other integrations
- The feature list also identifies a Java interface, OpenSSL interface, ActiveX support, and COM server and client interfaces.checked 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.checked 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.checked 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.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Security
- The feature list states that TCP/UDP sockets support SSL and IPv6, and that an OpenSSL interface is available.checked 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.checked 8 Oct 2026
The company
- Founded
- 2005checked 28 Sep 2026
- Headquarters
- Cambridge, England, United Kingdomchecked 28 Sep 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.checked 8 Oct 2026
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