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Summary

Description
English: Cons-cell as an omnipresent iconographic depiction in LISP literature.
Date
Source Own work
Author Cobalt pen

Proposed restoration of an iconic early Lisp visual element as the language's primary emblem. This cons-cell depiction, featuring its distinctive list structure with 'cdr' branches at the same level, historically stood out among scarce graphical representations in printed materials before digital typesetting became widespread or available at all.

While Guy L. Steele Jr.'s artistic cover designs for 'The Little LISPer' (featuring a yin-yang symbol) and 'The Little Schemer' (with an elephant constructing a house from scaffolding parts) introduced memorable visual elements, the cons-cell illustration has emerged as a universally recognized emblem of Lisp programming itself.

This illustration directly represents Lisp's fundamental list structures and has become its visual identity through widespread use on early hardware (e.g., Lisp machine panels) and educational materials. As both a teaching tool and recognizable symbol, it offers a more accessible representation for general audiences.

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Cons-cell as an omnipresent iconographic depiction in LISP literature.

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8 June 2025

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current11:34, 8 June 2025Thumbnail for version as of 11:34, 8 June 2025155 × 90 (767 bytes)Cobalt penUploaded own work with UploadWizard

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