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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