Why did we ever think a student's first programming language didn't matter?

Re:Why did we ever think a student's first programming langu... by josephg on Monday June 28, 2021 @04:58AM (#27659513)

“The smallest set that works” in the real world requires that you can write code that others can read, write code that could pass a PR. And that you can read the code that others write.

If you only know enough Java to be able to translate awkwardly from C, you aren’t fluent in Java. I know bits and pieces of Haskell - probably enough to make working programs. But I’m not fluent in Haskell. I can’t read the code others write. I can’t think in Haskell. And that’s not enough.

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Re:Why did we ever think a student's first programming langu... by Retric on Monday June 28, 2021 @07:59AM (#27660712)

This is talking about students. Writing code that works and others can read is roughly the benchmark for operating at the professional level. It’s not enough to get a job at FAANG, but many company’s have lower standards.

“Professional” is not what most people mean when they talk about the basics as say a welder, cook, etc.

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