In my startup file, I think the relevant lines are:

(load "~/quicklisp/setup.lisp")

(ql:quickload "drakma")

In LispWorks menus, I do

File >> Load >> my-startup-file.lisp

and Drakma loads without error.

But if I start LispWorks fresh, then do:

File >> Compile and Load >> my-startup-file.lisp

then amongst the output, I get:

**++++ Error between functions:

  Reader cannot find package QL.

and I get:

; *** 1 error detected, no fasl file produced.

;;; Compilation finished with 0 warnings, 1 error, 0 notes.

However, I can start LispWorks fresh and do

File >> Load >> my-startup-file.lisp

and then

File >> Compile and Load >> my-startup-file.lisp

I am thinking maybe somebody from Lisp HUG can help me understand

1. Why can I not do a compile and load first without error?
2. Is something I can put in my-startup-file.lisp that would allow compile and load first?
3. Does the phenomenon indicate I may have set up Quicklisp or Drakma improperly?

I learned that compiling Lisp allows infinite tail recursion. I was unaware of any potential problems compiling and loading. But now, I see that there could be a problem with compiling and loading.

So, I hope for someone to help my understanding.

Ron Lewis

Baltimore, MD

USA