Clasp: Common Lisp using LLVM and C++ for Molecular Metaprogramming

What this video covers

Christian Schafmeister's Google Tech Talk on designing spiroligomer molecules and building Clasp, a Common Lisp on LLVM that interoperates with C++, to program molecular design. It covers the chemistry, automatic differentiation for force fields, and how the compiler is built.

Why it surfaced in Hacker News

HN repeatedly cites it as a striking example of Common Lisp used to push the frontier of science, and as one of the most inspiring tech talks.

Recommendation context

Short excerpts from positive mentions. Open the source to read the full Hacker News discussion.

“If you are on this article, you probably will love to watch this guy.”

“Absolutely fascinating stuff.”

“I challenge anyone to watch this lecture from Christian Schafmeister and say they are not impressed”