Erik Reuter wrote:
On Wed, Aug 11, 2004 at 03:28:52PM -0700, Davd Brin wrote:
I think you all miss the point.
I think YOU miss the point. As I said, you can get BASIC on Linux if you
insist (actually, I just spent 30 seconds looking at Debian packages and
Debian has 2 free choices: Bywater BASIC Interpreter and "Yet Another
BASIC interpreter").
The point was that there are better languages to learn. Python is an
ideal first language -- it can be as simple as BASIC if you like, but it
has room to grow and doesn't start you with bad habits. And if you know
any programming, you could pick up 50% of Python in an hour (the stuff
that it sounds like you want) and then teach your child a really useful
language.
David--
I would argue that one doesn't just "know BASIC", one
knows how to program. I never quite remember the syntax of a
language unless I am actively using it, and have to puzzle it
out as I go. Not a problem.
There are some good programming techniques that weren't
used much in old-style BASIC, such as writing code in a modular
fashion (using procedures and/or functions). I'd suggest getting
a more modern language. (Really!) It's always possible to write
old-style programs full of goto statements, in just about any
language. But why not have the possibility to do more, in case
it is ever desired?
LOGO was recommended before. I second that! It makes an
excellent first language for children. Something as simple as
"forward 100" gets results--the turtle moves forward on the screen.
Learning to write loops has an immediate payback in terms of what
one can do, as does learning to use procedures.
---David Hobby
Well, I tried... : )
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