atgreen

atgreen / Whistler

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A lisp that compiles to eBPF

18
0
100% credibility
Found Mar 27, 2026 at 18 stars -- GitGems finds repos before they trend. Get early access to the next one.
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AI Analysis
Common Lisp
AI Summary

Whistler is a Lisp-based language and compiler for creating efficient eBPF programs that run in the Linux kernel to handle network packets, tracing, and more.

How It Works

1
🔍 Discover Whistler

You hear about a friendly way to create super-fast network rules using simple list-like instructions, perfect for monitoring or filtering internet traffic right at the kernel level.

2
💻 Set up your playground

You grab the free Lisp runtime and build the tool with a simple command, giving you an interactive space to experiment safely on your Linux computer.

3
✏️ Write your first rule

In the interactive playground, you type easy expressions like defining a packet counter or port blocker, feeling the power of describing what you want in plain lists.

4
⚙️ Turn words into action

You compile your rules into a special file that your computer's kernel can understand and load directly.

5
🔗 Connect to your network

With a quick command, you attach your rule to your network interface, like adding a smart guard to watch or control traffic.

6
📊 Watch the magic happen

You check the counters or logs to see your rule counting packets or dropping unwanted ones in real-time.

Your network tool lives

Now your custom network monitor or filter runs efficiently in the kernel, making your system smarter and faster without hassle.

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Star Growth

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AI-Generated Review

What is Whistler?

Whistler lets you write eBPF programs in a Common Lisp dialect, compiling s-expressions directly to kernel-loadable ELF bytecode without C, clang, or LLVM dependencies. You define maps and programs with macros like `defmap` and `defprog`, then compile via CLI or REPL to attach XDP filters, kprobes, or tracepoints. Among lisp projects github like arc lisp github, scheme lisp github, or lisp that compiles to c/python/javascript, it's a practical common lisp github tool for kernel networking and observability.

Why is it gaining traction?

It beats C/clang with a tiny 3MB toolchain, full Lisp macros for eBPF patterns like packet parsing or map ops, and REPL-driven development—compile, load, tweak in seconds. Automatic CO-RE relocs and userspace header gen for C/Go/Rust/Python/Lisp keep kernel/userspace in sync from one source. Vs BCC or bpftrace, interactive Lisp metaprogramming cuts boilerplate for repetitive verifier fights.

Who should use this?

Kernel engineers building XDP droppers, SYN flood mitigators, or tracepoints who already know Common Lisp or clozure common lisp github. Networking devs parsing TCP/UDP at wirespeed, or observability folks needing ringbufs and process metadata without C hassle. Lisp machine github fans prototyping eBPF on whistler mountain-inspired code.

Verdict

Solid for Lisp hackers eyeing eBPF—docs, examples, and loader shine despite 18 stars and 1.0% credibility score signaling early days. Test it if macros beat C; skip for production without more adoption.

(198 words)

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