guile

Start a REPL (interactive shell)

$ guile

$ guile [script.scm]

$ guile -c "[expression]"

$ guile --listen=[port_or_socket]

guile [options] [script-file | -e expression | -c command]

-?
    Display help message and exit.

--help
    Display help message and exit.

-V
    Display version information and exit.

--version
    Display version information and exit.

-L path
    Add path to the module load path.

--load-path=path
    Add path to the module load path.

-e expression
    Evaluate the given Scheme expression.

--eval=expression
    Evaluate the given Scheme expression.

-c command
    Execute the given Scheme command.

--compile=command
    Execute the given Scheme command.

-s script-file
    Execute Scheme script-file.

--script=script-file
    Execute Scheme script-file.

--debug
    Enable debugging mode.

--no-auto-compile
    Disable automatic compilation of Scheme code.

Guile is the GNU project's preferred extension language. It's an interpreter that implements the Scheme programming language. It's designed to be embedded in other programs, offering a powerful and flexible way to add scripting capabilities. Guile can be used interactively to evaluate Scheme expressions or to execute Scheme scripts.

Beyond serving as an extension language, Guile can also be used for general-purpose programming. It supports various features like modules, macros, dynamic linking, and multiple threads, making it a versatile tool for diverse programming tasks. Guile provides a rich set of libraries and functions for tasks such as string manipulation, file I/O, networking, and process management. Its flexible design and tight integration with the GNU ecosystem make it a valuable asset for developers.

If no script file, expression, or command is specified, Guile will enter an interactive REPL (Read-Eval-Print Loop) mode, allowing you to enter and evaluate Scheme code directly.

Guile provides robust error handling capabilities. When an error occurs, it displays detailed information about the error, including the file name, line number, and error message.

Guile's module system allows you to organize code into reusable components. You can load modules using the (use-modules ...) form.

Guile's development began in the late 1990s as a scripting language for the GNU project. The primary motivation was to provide a powerful and flexible language that could be easily embedded into other applications, allowing them to be extended and customized. Over the years, Guile has matured into a robust and widely used language, finding applications in various domains, from system administration to scientific computing. Its strong integration with the GNU ecosystem and its adherence to Scheme standards have contributed to its continued relevance.

gdb(1)