Compilation

The LFE REPL provides several functions for compiling source files and loading the resulting modules.

Compiling LFE Files

Use the c function to compile and load LFE modules:

lfe> (c "my-module.lfe")
#(module my-module)

This function:

• Compiles the LFE source file
• Loads the resulting .beam file into the current session
• Makes the module's exported functions available for use
• Places the compiled .beam file in the current working directory

You can also provide compilation options:

lfe> (c "my-module.lfe" '(debug_info export_all))
#(module my-module)

Common compilation options include:

• debug_info - Include debugging information
• export_all - Export all functions (useful for development)
• warn_unused_vars - Warn about unused variables

Compiling Erlang Files

To compile Erlang source files from the LFE REPL, use the ec function:

lfe> (ec "utility.erl")
#(module utility)

This allows you to work with existing Erlang code from within your LFE development session.

Working with Compiled Modules

Once a module is compiled and loaded, you can call its functions using the standard module:function syntax:

lfe> (my-module:some-function arg1 arg2)
result

You can also check which modules are currently loaded:

lfe> (m)
;; Lists all loaded modules
lfe> (m 'my-module)
;; Shows information about a specific module

Cleanup

If you compile a module in the REPL and forget to clean up the resulting .beam file, you may encounter mysterious issues later, naming continuing to see old behaviour from the module compiled in your current working directory instead of the .beam file most recently updated.