overview

We're going to start by learning the basic operations of little b. In the next few sections, we'll see how b processes text, how to define and create little b objects, called concepts, name and write queries which detect these objects. While you may not directly use all of the capabilities presented here, it's useful to see what's under the hood. This will help demystify the little b model specification process. Toward the end, we'll see how these building blocks are used to describe biological entities and mathematical expressions.

Since little b is embedded in Lisp, we'll need to learn about this powerful symbolic language along the way.

the lisp environment

reference (under construction)

Return to this table to look up definitions as you go along. Do not bother to make sense of this now. The last column indicates the scope of the definition, and is marked either L (Lisp), B (little b), LB (both), or T (tutorial only).

item definition
[ ] Object constructor syntax. Square brackets describe an object to be found or created. Unlike vanilla CL, square brackets are no longer treated as constituent characters; this is permitted by X3J13. B
[[ ]] Object initializer syntax. Inner square brackets are an object constructor (see above); Code in outer square braces initializes the object be setting properties and calling methods. B
{ } Math or infix syntax. Curly braces provide a means for writing infix-style expressions using operators which take left hand side (LHS) and/or right hand side arguments (RHS). Primarily used for writing mathematical expressions This syntax is used as a print-eval-identical format by the math subsystem. Unlike vanilla CL, curly braces are no longer treated as constituent characters; this is permitted by X3J13. B
. Dot syntax. Functions as either a consing dot (L) or field accessor (B). Field accessor syntax represents a deviation from the ANSI X3J13 standard. Specifically, the dot is no longer a constituent character. BL
, Comma. Used as part of backquote syntax (L), and field accessor syntax (B) to allow evaluation of a form. BL
,@ Comma-at, "backquote splice" (L), or "field application" (B) syntax. Used as part of backquote syntax (L) to splice a list into a backquoted list. When used after a dot, the argument, a list, represents application of a field to arguments. L
# L
:= Assignment operator. A binary operator used inside a math form to assign the RHS value to a place indicated by the LHS. B
:# Naming operator. A binary operator used inside a math form which treats its LHS argument as a name for the object produced by the RHS. The LHS name object is bound to *NAME* when RHS is evaluated. B
:#= Naming and assignment operator. Combines the operations of :# and :=. B
concept See concept instance or concept class object. B
operator A symbol associated with a function of one or two arguments, written in infix, rather than prefix format. Operators are used only within math syntax. B
Vanilla CL Common Lisp as specified by ANSI X3J13, without addition of any macro characters or macros.