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Quicklisp

Free#70 of 92 in Package Managers

Quicklisp: A focused Common Lisp package manager with broad library access and local project support. Ranked #70 of 92 in Package Managers by our editors (5.3/10); pricing: Open source; best for common Lisp developers using curated libraries.

5.3/10Editor score

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Quicklisp5.3 Visit Quicklisp

At a glance

Editor score
5.3 / 10
Pricing
Open source
Best for
Common Lisp developers using curated libraries
Paid from
Free
Facts checked
22 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Accesses more than 1,500 Common Lisp libraries
- Automatically downloads dependencies and supporting software
- Creates self-contained bundles that run without Quicklisp
Where it doesn't
- Focused on Common Lisp systems and libraries
- Requires an existing Common Lisp implementation
- The project is described as a public beta

Our verdict on Quicklisp

Quicklisp is an open-source library manager for Common Lisp developers who want to download, install, load, update, and remove libraries through an established distribution. It works with Common Lisp implementations on Linux, Mac OS X, and Windows, and provides access to more than 1,500 community-developed libraries. Its fit is strongest for developers working within the Common Lisp ecosystem who want dependency handling and curated library discovery in one tool.

Its standout strength is the combination of dependency management and practical project workflows. Quicklisp automatically downloads supporting software and dependencies, searches available systems with ql:system-apropos, and loads local projects through the local-projects directory or ASDF source registry. Developers can update distributions and the Quicklisp client, uninstall systems along with their metadata and archives, and create self-contained library bundles that load without Quicklisp. Offline installation is also supported, while private Quicklisp software repositories can serve teams maintaining private dists.

The trade-off is a deliberately narrow scope. Quicklisp handles Common Lisp systems, libraries, and source archives rather than serving as a general package manager across programming languages. It also works with existing Common Lisp implementations, so it is part of a broader language toolchain rather than a standalone runtime. The project is described as a public beta, which is an important consideration for teams evaluating release maturity. Choose Quicklisp for curated Common Lisp access, automatic dependency downloads, local projects, and portable bundles; choose another category tool when you need a multi-language package workflow.

Your product? Our editors can test Quicklisp in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

Quicklisp pricing

Plans Open sourceFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.

See plans on quicklisp.org

Quicklisp fact sheet

Free plan	Not verified
Paid from	Free
Package formats	Common Lisp systems/libraries and source archives
Supported platforms	Linux, Mac OS X, Windows
Dependency resolution	Yes
Lockfile support	Not verified
Workspace support	Not verified
Private registry auth	Not verified
Offline installation	Yes
Deployment	Self-hosted
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux
Support	Email, Community, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate)
Pricing	Open source
Website	quicklisp.org
Facts checked	22 Sep 2026

Alternatives to Quicklisp

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Featured on iTechGuides

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update