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Even though Common Lisp is not structured as a kernel plus libraries, it can be implemented that way. The kernel and library routines can be in the form of .o files for easy linking with other, possibly non-Lisp, modules; the implementation must make it possible to write, for example, small utility programs. It is also possible to piggyback on existing compilers, especially those that use common back ends. It is also possible to implement Lisp so that standard debuggers, possibly with extensions, can be made to work on Lisp code.
It might take time for developers of standard tools to agree to extend their tools to Lisp, but it certainly won't happen until our (exceptional) language is implemented more like ordinary ones.
rpg@lucid.com