ecl ☆

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Description:
Embeddable Common Lisp

Type: Formula | Latest Version: 24.5.10@0 | Tracked Since: Dec 17, 2025

Links: Homepage | formulae.brew.sh

Category: Developer tools

Tags: lisp compiler embeddable development scripting

Install: brew install ecl

About:
ECL (Embeddable Common Lisp) is a full-featured Common Lisp implementation designed for integration into other applications. It compiles Lisp code into portable C, which is then compiled to native machine code, enabling it to run on virtually any platform. Its primary value is serving as a scripting and extension engine for C/C++ programs via its robust C API.

Key Features:

Compiles Lisp to portable C code for maximum portability
Provides a powerful C API for embedding the Lisp runtime in other applications
Supports the full ANSI Common Lisp standard including CLOS
Can build standalone executables and shared libraries from Lisp code

Use Cases:

Embedding a scripting engine into C/C++ applications
Developing portable applications across various operating systems
Creating shared libraries callable from other programming languages

Alternatives:

SBCL – SBCL is a high-performance native compiler but lacks ECL's easy embeddability and C-based portability.
CLISP – CLISP is another portable implementation, but ECL offers better C integration and compilation to native code via C.

License: LGPL-2.1-or-later

Dependencies: bdw-gc, gmp

Bottles available for: arm64_tahoe, arm64_sequoia, arm64_sonoma, arm64_ventura, arm64_monterey, sonoma, ventura, monterey, arm64_linux, x86_64_linux

Version History

Detected	Version	Rev	Change	Commit
Sep 10, 2025 10:59pm		0	VERSION_BUMP	84fee223
Dec 15, 2024 11:08am		0	VERSION_BUMP	20d34f7e