Due to other reasons, i can program about 4 hours a week beside other tasks. A few years ago I've given myself permission to spend it on a project I really like, but not really usefull, already existing and a strange language (lisp). It has been really fun, a learned a lot and it turned out usefull. So, just go for it and enjoy it, it's your project.
Big fan of Lispworks (Yes, there is a free version). Using it in production, as many others. Using Quicklisp in experiments. Not direct in my codebase. Lisp will always be there. Learning Lisp will make you a better programmer, while having fun.
Fred is from a time where there were no other means to climb a chimney. He worked safely for that time period.
Worlink in a lithium mine these days is more dangerous.
I use lispworks, the CAPI works well on allmost all platforms. They know what they are doing. Books: common lisp recipes, PAIP, ANSI COMMON LISP. The few libraries you need are very good.And you need Quicklisp. I stopped using C, C++, pascal, fortran, javascript. Altough they all are just fine. You still have to learn the craft of programming. Just go for it.
It's normal, just count the comments on this post. You have learned a lot on this "never finished" projects. Thats nice. Sometime along this road jou find the right project and make it work. Keep the projects (or parts of it) small, make a working mock-up fast and keep expanding it. I just finished a project I started 10 years ago and havent worked on it for several years. That feels really good.
I'm using Lispworks. Good IDE, solid and CAPI is a great for development of IDE and graphics. Start using the free personal version and if you like it, get in touch with them, they will help you. I also like SBCL+Emacs+slime+org-mode.
Like you, i am working on a big project and have a day job. That job is running my own steel company. I realy enjoy the learning and the problem solving. And we use the software in our office. It runs for months without glitches so i think its not that bad. And now i am building a web application for my clients. So yes, it is possible and it is fun. And sometimes it is hard. And if it fails, the next project will be better. Oh, i use Lisp and postgresql, that makes it even more fun.
Hello, I would try to write the entire app myself. You will learn so much from it. That will benifit you forever. If you get stuck, just put another ask at hacker news. If you just help one person who is depressed, its worth ten times the effort.I have been there. Thanks for taking part in the competition and good luck to you.