Subject: Re: Variable as first argument in format. From: Erik Naggum <erik@naggum.net> Date: Sat, 25 May 2002 10:37:09 GMT Newsgroups: comp.lang.lisp Message-ID: <3231311821535318@naggum.net> * Juan Pardillos | I don't understand the purpose of using a variable as the first argument | of format. The variable usually holds a stream. t is a designator for a stream so you do not have to write *standard-output* out in full. nil is sort of a designator for a constructed string-stream that is discarded upon output and only its string returnsed. | I don't see any difference between assigning the variable t or nil, as I | show in the following interaction: If you do not see a difference, I cannot help you except to point out there is one and that you should come back when you see it. | Could someone please explain me which is the utility of using a variable | as the first argument of format instead of, simply, use t or nil (a good | link explaining is ok). Which textbook or tutorial are you using that is confusing you so? We need to remove this material from the market or from the Net, as it is clear that some people are getting horribly confused by some low-quality introductions out there. -- In a fight against something, the fight has value, victory has none. In a fight for something, the fight is a loss, victory merely relief. 70 percent of American adults do not understand the scientific process.