Re: Thanks All

["Steve Poling" <sdp@xxxxxxx>]

C, C++, Java, Python are all cool languages. i even like Visual Basic and
Perl.

I've taught Pascal and C and Fortran, Pascal may have been the easiest, but
i don't recommend it.

What i do recommend you do is survey your friends. Which of them seem to
understand programming well enough to write a few simple hacks. Ask them
which language they've got code samples of, and ask them if you can study
the code samples and then engage in some Q&A with them as to *what* the
incomprehensible parts mean, and after you learn that, ask *why* they coded
as they did. Studying solved problems is a time honored methodology dating
back to when I was in college, just after the Jurassic age, er, Carter
administration.

Let's say that APL is the language that *all* of your closest friends and
associates program in exclusively and one of them maintains a major code
repository and is willing to dedicate every waking hour to your education.
Then (and only then) would i recommend APL for your learning language.

Conversely, suppose Pascal or Python happen to be the world's greatest
language (i said suppose, i'm not wearing asbestos underwear and don't
particularly want to start a flamewar, we all know that all true believers
program in another language named .....

But if nobody is around to show you the ropes of the world's greatest
language, you may not have the time and inclination to teach yourself the
language all by yourself.

And obviously, books, videos, free compilers/interpreters play a part in
this decision, too.

Bottom line: learn whatever language you want, but start with one where you
can get help.

-----Original Message-----
From: Andy <misplice@yahoo.com>
To: klug@klug.armintl.com <klug@klug.armintl.com>
Date: Wednesday, December 01, 1999 7:46 PM
Subject: Thanks All


>
>I'd just like to say thanks again to all that gave
>their input. It seems as if I can find atleast one
>book on all those to get a general overview of each
>maybe I can make a semi-informed decision. After
>looking in other places the only one other than C that
>came up regularly was Python. Anyone know anything
>about that? APL still sounds very interesting as a
>learning platform from which to springboard myself to
>others.. so hopefully I will be able to find something
>on the selves during my search.
>
>Thanks Again
>Andy
>
>=====
>"Imagination is more important than knowledge."
>                                - Albert Einstein
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