... reading sexp's is technically parsing but it is so far removed from something like a C parser that it's really not the same animal. I mean, you can write a function to build a list from a sexp in a few minutes, while even a basic hand-written C parser will take days/weeks/months depending on your familiarity.
So, that's a reason why it is said. (edit: also, if the course implements scheme IN scheme, then you don't need a parser because the host scheme can do it for you.)
> ... reading sexp's is technically parsing but it is so far removed from something like a C parser that it's really not the same animal.
Yeah it is obviously a lot easier to parse than traditional, imperative languages like C. I just do not like the phrase, as it gives this "magic" vibe to Scheme. I mean its syntax is beautiful and simple, but there is definitely no magic there.
So, that's a reason why it is said. (edit: also, if the course implements scheme IN scheme, then you don't need a parser because the host scheme can do it for you.)