a generalized boolean.

true.

If false, escape characters and package prefixes are not output when an expression is printed.

If true, an attempt is made to print an expression in such a way that it can be read again to produce an equal expression. (This is only a guideline; not a requirement. See *print-readably*.)

For more specific details of how the value of *print-escape* affects the printing of certain types, see section {\secref\DefaultPrintObjMeths}.

(let ((*print-escape* t)) 
  (write #\\a))

▷

#\\a 

→

#\\a 



(let ((*print-escape* nil)) 
  (write #\\a))

▷

a 

→

#\\a 

princ, prin1, format

• Function WRITE
• Function READTABLE-CASE

princ effectively binds *print-escape* to false. prin1 effectively binds *print-escape* to true.