Learning Computer Science From Scratch | Hacker News Reader

Learning Computer Science From Scratch

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13 pointsfogus6 comments

"When most of us think about computer programming, we think of typing in lines and lines of code with semicolons and complex syntax. This common perception about computer programming helps keep people from getting excited about computer programming" I don't know about you guys, but that GETS me excited...

I really don't understand the desire to make computer programming more appealing to those for whom it is not appealing. Yes, it should be accessible; yes, things should not arbitrarily be harder than they need to be; yes, we should be mindful to be inclusive of all. But somewhere along the line reality sets in. If you're turned off by typing lines and lines of code with semicolons and complex syntax, then maybe the root issue is that computer programming just isn't for you.

There's nothing wrong with that. I don't enjoy learning about surgical procedures; it was nigh miraculous that I made it through high school biology. I'm all for better biology education, but let's face it: I'm not cut out to be a biologist, or most likely a medical practictioner of any sort. (I might be able to handle, say, dentistry, but would surely have to put up with loads of classes that I really don't care for along the way.) I don't blame the educational system. I don't think biology is too hard, or too unwelcoming to outsiders. I just don't have any interest in it.

I really don't see much of a downside to making programming more accessible to more people.

In fact, the vast majority of programming done today is at a much easier and more accessible level than it used to be. You no longer have to break out the soldering iron to debug a program. You no longer have to program in machine language, directly in binary. I think that's a good thing.

Of course, the more difficult ways of programming will always be there to challenge and entertain the elite, but there's a lot to be said for getting more ordinary people involved.

We should embrace and encourage newcomers instead of telling them that "maybe programming isn't for you."

If you're turned off by typing lines and lines of code with semicolons and complex syntax, then maybe the root issue is that computer programming just isn't for you.

...either that, or you program in Scheme. </snark>

Seriously, though, I doubt most programmers enjoy "semicolons and syntax" for their own sake; we use programming languages because they allow us to create programs. The purpose of making programming more appealing at superficial levels is not to banish the semicolons and syntax forever, it's to introduce people who might otherwise be put off by that aspect to get a taste of programming anyway. If they find they like it, the "serious" stuff will still be there.

There's a difference between "make this appealing to people who will never like it" vs. "make this appealing to people who might like it, but would be scared off by superficial aspects".

Scratch is worth checking out, especially if you have kids.

There's a Linux installer available here: http://info.scratch.mit.edu/Linux_installer

I've used scratch, and I think that one of the best things about it is the ease with which a user can interact with the real world.

I've done some initial work on improving the collaboration process and hope to continue it in the future.

Here's a poster on the work I'm doing: http://mas714.media.mit.edu/files/Poster_Catalyzing%20Creati...

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