How to do matrix operation programatically in lisp

Kun Lin wrote:
> 
> My ultimate goal is to use maxima as the backbone of all my 
> mathematical  computing needs (symbolic, matrices ...) in writing lisp 
> programs.  Can maxima do this?   Another idea is maybe my lisp code can 
> call a .mac file.  I am just not sure what would be the best approach.

I'm curious why you don't just want to use maxima itself and add the 
necessary stuff you need in Lisp?  You certainly can use maxima as a 
library for your Lisp code, but that seems backward.

At least if you do it this way, you get a nice repl with more "typical" 
mathematical syntax.

Ray