Abstract

Some cognitive theorists say that the spoken language you learn dictates what things you are capable of thinking. Whether or not this is true, what is certain is that the programming languages you know dictate your natural approaches to solving problems with computers. Most of us learn C, C++, Perl or Java and never realize the world of expression that can live outside of those boundaries. Scheme is an elegant list-based language that will alter the way you think about programming. I am going to give a brief introduction to it and try to take you through some of the jucier, fun bits. If you’re not sure whether or not to attend, consider this quote regarding Lisp (Scheme is a dialect of Lisp):

"Lisp is worth learning for the profound enlightenment experience you will have when you finally get it; that experience will make you a better programmer for the rest of your days, even if you never actually use Lisp itself a lot." 
- Eric Raymond, "How to Become a Hacker"