Lisp for web apps? Tell me more.. (seriously)

It's scheme, not CL, but don't forget HOP http://hop.inria.fr/ and whatever the PLT people have in store http://www.plt-scheme.org/

I know - what benefits do you get from Scheme over CL?

From my limited perspective, it looks like one of the major drawbacks (evidenced in this discussion) is the lack of critical mass for one specific Lisp stack. Having so many competing setups makes for:

-little documentation

-little support

-limited libraries

-super tiny communities

Compare that to LAMP(P = PHP, Perl, or Python) and Rails. Their communities, docs, support, libs, etc are HUGE compared to the tiny fractured Lisp ecosystem.

Do LAMP and Rails have their own problems? Of course. But the point is that they have been proven over and over and over. Lisp is certainly sexy and will give you that toned body and hairy chest you always wanted, but beyond Viaweb and Reddit (cough, cough) can you readily (and without searching) think of other top sites that have delivered a major hit with it? Second, can you think of any hit Lisp sites that didn't involve Paul Graham? I rest my case.

I'd love to see this change, but unfortunately that's the current reality.

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Update: After doing some searching, I also found ITA's backend Orbitz software written in Lisp. That certainly was a hit and is also used by many other systems. The author is Carl de Marcken and this hit is also mentioned in pg's "Great Hackers" essay.

So, Two Lisp Hit-makers:

Paul Graham, Phd in CS from Harvard

Carl de Marcken, Phd in CS from MIT

So, if you're a Phd in CS from one of the top programs in the world - I'd say Go For It! ;)

Wow, what a response. I am excited by the prospect that at some point in the near future I can dive into lisp with a clear goal in mind and the resources to make it happen. I have been hearing for years about how lisp is really the ultimate programmers language. I respect this lisp-lover's oppinion and experience ultimately, and put him right in the list with Paul and Carl. So, 3 elite programmers who sing the graces of lisp. One was enough for me to want to learn to think in lisp. 3 in support should be a point to ponder.

The problem I have always encountered with trying to build a solution in lisp is the lack of resources. It sounds like lisp is inching closer and closer to the critical mass where tools and libraries will finally be available for more then a few uses.

This lisper I know said "Don't hold your breath." when I suggested that lisp may be coming close to getting its due. I know that there are alot of people out there like me. We will start using lisp when the great advantages of the language finally outweigh the disadvantages of implementation. I think its just a matter of time until lisp is a clear win, as long as the tools come.

I've never written a line of lisp. I want to save my lisp cherry for a time when I can have more "Yay" then "Doh" while I learn and use it. I think it will be worth the wait.