[ILUG] introduction to programming

[Rory Browne]

On 5/25/05, John P. Looney <valen at tuatha.org> wrote:
> On Wed, May 25, 2005 at 12:55:37AM +0100, Timothy Murphy mentioned:
> > Python is a good language to learn if you want to learn Python;
> > it's a crazy language to learn for any other purpose.
> 
>  Hmm. I'm in the situation of learning it after programming other ones for
> ... wow 22 years I think.
> 
>  I'm not sure yet, but it seems to beat the shite out of anything I've
> come across to date for just getting the job done (as long as the job
> doesn't need more than 90% of your CPU, or systems stuff - C still has
> it's place). Even if I get really confused with treating dictionaries and
> lists the same way. I'm sure it's only initial baby steps.
> 
> > Is there such a thing as "teaching programming"
> > as opposed to teaching a programming language?
> 
>  Yes. Seriously, don't be an ass.
/me agrees

> 
>  The reason Python makes an excellent trainer language is that it's quick
> to get stuff done, like TCL or LISP.
/me disagrees

That's the reason python is an excellent general purpose language. The
reason why python is an excellent first language, is because it
encourages, and indeed mandates good habits, such indentation.

> 
> John
> 
> --
> For astrology and the rest to flourish it is only necessary that those with
> an IQ in double figures do nothing.
>                                         -- Lucy Mangan
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>