Re:Learning how to code
by wccrawford on Wednesday November 09, 2011 @07:37AM
(#3215248)
Since the link isn't working, I'm going to take a guess.
1) Start coding.
2) ???
3) Profit!
Or maybe...
1) Start coding
2) Google everything you have a problem with
3) Return to step 1
That's how self-taught people learn. Okay, maybe Google wasn't around when some of us started, but we used books, magazines, and trial-and-error. Google is much faster and more reliable.
But honestly, that just isn't for everyone. Some people need a more structured environment, and that's fine. That's why classes and learn-to-program books exist.
Re:Learning how to code
by TheCapn on Wednesday November 09, 2011 @10:16AM
(#3215745)
I don't like the article because of the fatal flaw I see with novice programmers that this fails to address... tunnel vision.
When I say "tunnel vision" though I mean the fact that novice users don't entirely understand what code does or how it works. They're only understanding the very surface of what they're doing and without more fundamental knowledge they'll fail to understand when a different approach is better suited, or why certain things are avoided, or why their tool is not the best tool for what they're trying to accomplish (square block in circular hole type issues).
Sure its a good start just "diving right in" but its also a great way to get bad habits. The good coders, ones that have the natural talent, will figure things out regardless of their starting block. The problem is the swarms of bad programmers that come out of the wood works because "anyone can do it!"
How would I improve it? Don't gloss over the details as if they're entirely that simple. Programmers need to start simple (a calculator) and then build up iteratively so they're not overstepping their bounds. Thoughts?
1) Start coding.
2) ???
3) Profit!
Or maybe...
1) Start coding
2) Google everything you have a problem with
3) Return to step 1
That's how self-taught people learn. Okay, maybe Google wasn't around when some of us started, but we used books, magazines, and trial-and-error. Google is much faster and more reliable.
But honestly, that just isn't for everyone. Some people need a more structured environment, and that's fine. That's why classes and learn-to-program books exist.
Until our novice looks for information on PHP and mysql and thinks 'mysql_real_escape_string_honest_this_time' is a great idea.
Or until our novice decides to learn Perl:
http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=3158276
When I say "tunnel vision" though I mean the fact that novice users don't entirely understand what code does or how it works. They're only understanding the very surface of what they're doing and without more fundamental knowledge they'll fail to understand when a different approach is better suited, or why certain things are avoided, or why their tool is not the best tool for what they're trying to accomplish (square block in circular hole type issues).
Sure its a good start just "diving right in" but its also a great way to get bad habits. The good coders, ones that have the natural talent, will figure things out regardless of their starting block. The problem is the swarms of bad programmers that come out of the wood works because "anyone can do it!"
How would I improve it? Don't gloss over the details as if they're entirely that simple. Programmers need to start simple (a calculator) and then build up iteratively so they're not overstepping their bounds. Thoughts?