The problem is that the current options for scripting a PC don't make available a very interesting environment to play and experiment with.
The Commodore 64, with its ROM BASIC, sprite color graphics, its rather comprehensive manual, and a 3rd party book on the 6502 CPU assembly language made for a explosively empowering environment to learn computing at down fairly close to the metal. Before even getting exposed to CS curriculum it can do a world of good to learn how to master a machine like the Commodore 64, Apple II, or TRS 80, which were at varying levels of afford-ability. Then there was the original Mac OS with its Motorola 68000, extensive ROM tool box routines, Quickdraw graphics, and trap dispatch table that was so easy to install all manner of cool hooks into the system (these days protected memory kernels take all the fun away). Couple the Mac with LightSpeed C and the good times were just endless. It was those early generation computers that launched the computing love affair for so many. Now days kids have game machines and turn-key PCs. Nothing is really hackable in the (creative) way that the first gen hardware was. Who can blame kids today with being bored with the CS proposition - there's nothing truly exciting to bootstrap them along into acquiring a passion for computing. Coding a browser DOM in JavaScript is horribly lame relative to hacking a Commodore 64 in 6502 assembly. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "The Java Posse" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/javaposse?hl=en.
