Learn a Lisp with Python

📰 Medium · Programming

Learn Hy, a Lisp implementation with a Python backend, and discover how to leverage your existing Python knowledge to get started with Lisp programming

intermediate Published 21 Apr 2026

Action Steps

Install Hy using pip by running `pip install hy` to get started
Explore Hy's documentation and tutorials to learn its syntax and features
Use Hy's REPL to experiment with Lisp code and get familiar with its interactive environment
Implement a simple Lisp program using Hy to demonstrate your understanding
Integrate Hy with your existing Python projects to leverage its capabilities

Who Needs to Know This

Developers familiar with Python can benefit from learning Hy to expand their programming skills and explore the Lisp paradigm, while teams working on projects that involve both Python and Lisp can appreciate the convenience of a shared backend

Key Insight

💡 Hy's Python backend makes it easier for Python developers to learn and use Lisp, allowing for a more convenient and familiar programming experience