Re:How We Teach Programming, and Where We're Going Wrong
by geocar on Sunday February 07, 2016 @10:12AM
(#11053073)
> Correct me if Im wrong but you are implying, if an individual understands how to command something or do a task, they have a realization of how the bigger picture works to some extent.
No: I am not trying to say someone knows how to program if they can program.
In fact, I suspect strongly the opposite: Most people who can program do not have any idea how they program, let alone how to program.
I am saying there are at least two essential skills which are "programming", and not just the one you brought up.
There are more: One must also have a command of the grammar and syntax, but I find that despite how much time people spend on it, this speaks more about how complex languages are, than it does about programming[1], and so I did not bring it up.
> Are you interviewing individuals/doing this scientifically or is this a personal theory you test when given the opportunity?
I'm a professional and not an academic, and yet a big part of my role is to grow programmers, so it's a little more than a personal theory, but a lot less than a study.
No: I am not trying to say someone knows how to program if they can program.
In fact, I suspect strongly the opposite: Most people who can program do not have any idea how they program, let alone how to program.
I am saying there are at least two essential skills which are "programming", and not just the one you brought up.
There are more: One must also have a command of the grammar and syntax, but I find that despite how much time people spend on it, this speaks more about how complex languages are, than it does about programming[1], and so I did not bring it up.
[1]: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=9122299
> Are you interviewing individuals/doing this scientifically or is this a personal theory you test when given the opportunity?
I'm a professional and not an academic, and yet a big part of my role is to grow programmers, so it's a little more than a personal theory, but a lot less than a study.