Find which Lispex v1.21.0 product provides the feature you need and where it runs. For example, use Native to run verified bytecode, or Native and npm to run a source file. The tables on this page form the current product catalog.
Install a product from Downloads or follow First Program. The CLI reference lists commands, inputs, and results.
Distribution and platform
Native is a downloaded executable. The npm package runs the reference interpreter through WASM in Node.js. WASM components can also be integrated into an application. The Playground runs in the browser.
| Distribution | Available features |
|---|---|
| Native on the published targets | Source execution, formatting, MCP, Meaning Graph, Core IR, Lispex VM, both embed evaluators, images, decision exchange, the full Vouch workflow, and SICP |
| npm CLI and package | Source execution, images, offline record checks and comparison of recorded cases, recipient policies, Vouch authentication, decision-bundle inspection and authentication, and SICP |
| Published WASM components | Reference-interpreter API, image encoding and recovery, shared verification core, both import-free embed evaluators, and SICP components |
| Playground | Interactive source execution, image workflows, and the SICP profile; links to Native and other downloadable products |
The Downloads page lists the files for each distribution.
Execution features
A language profile specifies the forms and built-in procedures a program can use. A resource profile specifies execution limits.
| Feature | What it runs or creates | Where to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Lispex Interpreter | Source in the complete current language profile, including 205 built-in procedure entries | Native, npm, WASM, Playground |
| Meaning v1 | A graph derived from Core IR, with explicit evaluation and recorded results, output, and diagnostics | Native |
| Lispex VM | Verified bytecode with explicit execution state, diagnostics, and resource usage | Native |
Decision evaluator (embed) | Decision-profile rules with separate preparation and evaluation limits | Native and an import-free WASM component |
Full evaluator (embed full) | The complete current language profile and all 205 procedure entries, in fresh instances | Native and a separate import-free WASM component |
| SICP | A Scheme-compatible educational profile, typed results, exact execution traces, and chapter systems | Native, npm CLI, @lispex/sicp, Playground SICP profile, sicp.io |
Meaning v1 supports shared variable cells, mutation, tail calls, escape control, and dynamic cleanup. The two embed evaluators are separate products. Both create a fresh instance for each request. See Resource-controlled Evaluation for their inputs and limits.
LIL and LIT completed their role in internal cross-validation. They were retired in Lispex 1.21 to reduce future maintenance costs. Read the engine reference for current Lispex execution and the historical LIL/LIT records.
Files and workflows
| File or workflow | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Core IR | Resolves name references and records bindings, globals, built-in procedures, tail positions, source locations, and requirements in a prescribed format |
| Verified bytecode | Stores the instructions that the Lispex VM checks and executes |
| Portable core record | Binds one run's exact rule, input, resource rules, evaluator file, execution transcript, and result |
| Lispex Image | Stores exact source bytes in a prescribed PNG or ZIP format for recovery |
| Decision directory | Keeps five local files for running, inspecting, checking, and rerunning a decision |
| Decision exchange | Packages issuer records, recipient policy, and request bindings for authentication and rerunning |
| Lispex Vouch | Authenticates signed records and, in Native, evaluates a local approval rule through a gate |
Application responsibilities
The runtime evaluates programs according to the language profile. Core IR and bytecode use prescribed file formats. Embed evaluators enforce requested resource limits and produce portable core records. Decision exchange creates issuer and recipient records. Lispex Vouch authenticates signed records and evaluates the local gate.
The calling application sets business policy, network access, freshness checks, and replay prevention. It also decides and performs external actions after receiving a result. Topaz maintains its compiler, adapter, product acceptance checks, and releases.