Lisp isn't a purely functional programming language, it can have side effects if you want it to but it isn't required. The best way to see lisp is as a program

Lisp isn't a purely functional programming language, it can have side effects if you want it to but it isn't required. The best way to see lisp is as a programming language which allows you to quickly build a context specific language to solve the desired problem. It is great for parsing data, prototyping, doing data driven design (since lisp code is data). It is also one of the more efficient high level language and so is suitable for almost any task. The only reason not to use it is if you don't like parentheses. I recommend you give it a try, it's a lot of fun. Try reading SICP (the wizard book) and using Dr. Scheme for a nice start. Cheers