Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

In which data structures? For example in CL hashes use multiple returns so in 99% of cases you can just not care, and when you do care about the difference you just check the second return value.


I've run into issues when interfacing databases and writing interpreters, and probably more that I've forgotten.

They're just minor culture clashes that add up...


I like the way CL does things but it makes dealing with JSON occasionally annoying.


Do you mean, for example, a null node versus a missing node?


I mean distinguishing between `null`, `false`, and `[]` on the JSON side. Most JSON libraries for CL by default parse them all as `nil`. (ST-JSON excepted.)


I guess that means you can't generate false and [] either?

So this would be a good example the culture clashes I mentioned, handled badly.


Yes, I think the two return values convention in CL mostly makes this a non-issue.




Consider applying for YC's Fall 2026 batch! Applications are open till July 27.

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: