Lisp Machines

Lisp machines are specialized computers designed to efficiently run programs written in Lisp, a programming language often used for artificial intelligence and symbolic processing. Unlike general-purpose computers, Lisp machines integrate hardware and software features optimized for Lisp's unique demands, such as dynamic memory management and symbolic manipulation. They facilitate rapid development and experimentation in AI research by providing tools that directly support Lisp's features. These machines emerged in the 1980s and represent an early effort to tailor hardware to specific programming paradigms, enhancing performance and productivity for AI applications.