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Re: Programming?
"Bibbs, Christopher" wrote:
> I would never suggest anyone start with C/C++. Why you ask? Pointers.
> Pointers are inherently dangerous, difficult for beginners, and used
> all over the place in C(++).
Start -- maybe not. But pointers are exactly the reason that
C makes for a good second language. Pointers are difficult to
learn, confusing, dangerous, and the key to understanding the
fundamentals of computer programming.
Andy mentioned having done some programming in BASIC, which is
as good a first language as any.
> Perl - Safer than C, very useful. The 50 ways to skin the cat may
> confuse beginners
I chuckle as the idea of Perl being called "safe" (it's about as
"safe" as an industrial lathe) but I know what you mean. If the
goal is to do some web projects, sure, go nuts with Perl, it's
great fun. If the goal is to learn about programming for the
long-term, I'd recommend C first.
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