I have always thought that the more flexible and forgiving the syntax,
the better the language is for learning. I also believe that flexible
syntax is often a bane as the complexity of a project increases,
especially when more than one developer works on the project.
I have also thought that one of the more intuitive languages out there
is AppleScript. Almost anyone reading AppleScript for the first time
can understand it. Unfortunate, AppleScript is used mostly for
automating other applications, and how those applications respond often
muddies the waters!
I think that AppleScript would make a great teaching language if the
proper context and IDE were provided.
Thank you,
Alex Lindsay
On Sep 30, 2005, at 12:06 AM, R Charles Flickinger wrote:
Hi
I absolutely believe learning a real programming language is the
proper
aproach.
I find this an interesting statement, as many "programmers" in the
latter '80s did not consider Apple's HyperCard to be a "real
programming" language. Yet school-age children were "programming" all
kinds of software solutions with HyperCard that caught the attention
of the adults.
I have Computer Chronicles videos that offer objective proof.
I won't say RB is so tough to grasp it is beyond a school kid's
ability to understand, but I have not seen any evidence it has
inspired children of any age as much as Apple's HyperCard did.
Has RB made it to Computer Chronicles? Demoed by school kids? God
forbid, adults might never consider using it!! "Software for Kids" is
a label no one wants on their product, yet many will advert at one
time or another that their product is great for kids to learn on.
I believe the environment still exists today; programmers DO NOT want
to see this technology accessible to run-of-the-mill society, and
probably for many valid and invalid reasons. HyperCard made the
technology insanely accessible, and programmers will never let that
happen ever again.
Everything I learned about programming, using HyperCard, applied to
when I learned JavaScript, which in turn applied to what I learned
using REALbasic. I will say that had I had the knowledge these
technologies provided for me, I might not have figured out REALbasic
in as short a time, and solo to boot.
Yours truly
R Charles Flickinger
Corona Developer: http://www.designersdomain.com/corona
Daktari Developer: http://www.designersdomain.com/daktari
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