Re: Programming?

[Bruce Smith <bruce@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

> >>>I agree that it's not a good language for real applications,
> >>>but I do believe it's a good learning tool.
> >>Ah, so you agree (at least in principle) that a good language to learn
> >>stuff is NOT nessesarily a good language to use in the workplace.
> >>No argument! :)
> >Right.  I'm also glad my first language resembled most other programming
> >languages.  It uses things like "if", "for", "print", and most other
> >common programming statements.
> Many of these keywords are forces into un-natural constructs, which makes it
> harder for many novice programmers to pick up. I think
>    if (something) {
>          do(this);
>         also(this);
>       {
> 
> is probably not too bad for most people, but lots of folks have trouble with
> 
>    if (something)
>          do(this);
>    else if (somethingmore)
>          do(that);
>    else if (adifferentsomething)
>      :
>      :
> at least when they're starting off. Maybe YOU understand this from the get-go
> (I didn't, but learned how during the Carter administration),or you got used
> to it, but that doesn't make it nessesarily easy, correct, understandable, or
> "good".

Yes, "else if" logic can get more confusing, especially if 
you start putting more "if"s inside your "else if"s.   :{)

That's were a good "case" statement comes in handy.

> >It's so different that most other languages, I don't see it
> >as a good starting point.
> As I DID say, that's the core of where we differ.

I'll agree that's where we differ.   :{)

> I understand you don't like APL, Bruce. That's a pity, because many people have
> gotten a lot out of the language. I'm sorry your college course soured you on
> the thing, for whatever reason. None of that makes APL a bad tool, especially in
> the right hands.
> 
> Some of the largest organizations in the area have been using APL for decades.

APL is probably a good tool for some tasks. (not matter how obscure :)
I'll even say that it's a may be a good programming language for the
3rd or 4th language you learn, if you're a true masochist.

I've given my opinion on this subject, so I guess it's up to our new 
programmer to sort this out and pick his first language.  Sorry we
couldn't all agree on this and make the choice simple for you.
Good luck!!!

P.S.  If you pick APL and have questions, I'll bet there is only 
      one person on this mailing list that can help you.   :{)

--------------------------------------------
Bruce Smith                bruce@armintl.com
System Administrator / Network Administrator
Armstrong International, Inc.
Three Rivers, Michigan  49093  USA
http://www.armstrong-intl.com/
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