If you already know LISP, why would you also want to learn F#?

Question

What is the added value for learning F# when you are already familiar with LISP?

Answer 1

• Static typing (with type inference)
• Algebraic data types
• Pattern matching
• Extensible pattern matching with active patterns.
• Currying (with a nice syntax)
• Monadic programming, called 'workflows', provides a nice way to do asynchronous programming.

A lot of these are relatively recent developments in the programming language world. This is something you'll see in F# that you won't in Lisp, especially Common Lisp, because the F# standard is still under development. As a result, you'll find there is a quite a bit to learn. Of course things like ADTs, pattern matching, monads and currying can be built as a library in Lisp, but it's nicer to learn how to use them in a language where they are conveniently built-in.

The biggest advantage of learning F# for real-world use is its integration with .NET.

Answer 2

Comparing Lisp directly to F# isn't really fair, because at the end of the day with enough time you could write the same app in either language.

However, you should learn F# for the same reasons that a C# or Java developer should learn it - because it allows functional programming on the .NET platform. I'm not 100% familiar with Lisp, but I assume it has some of the same problems as OCaml in that there isn't stellar library support. How do you do Database access in Lisp? What about high-performance graphics?

If you want to learn more about 'Why .NET', check out this SO question.