Tim Hunter
2/13/2005 11:15:00 PM
On 2005-02-13 17:17:44 -0500, Alexander Kellett <ruby-lists@lypanov.net> said:
> i'm really puzzled by this.
> why python? or even worse. vb??!!
>
> Alex
>
> On Feb 13, 2005, at 11:08 PM, Navindra Umanee wrote:
>
>> Richard Dale <Richard_Dale@tipitina.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>>> I'd like to try ruby on non-programmers teaching them using why's amazing
>>> guide, to see how it works as a beginner's language. I showed some ruby
>>> code to my 45 year old lodger who has never used a computer or seen a
>>> computer program. He said "it looks like English, I thought computer
>>> programming was maths". And he is especially impressed with the cartoon
>>> foxes in Chapter 3, they have got to be the killer feature..
>>
>> Oh you think Ruby might be suitable for a total beginner?
>>
>> I have the same problem. My dad wants to learn programming. I
>> thought maybe Python or even Visual Basic (or one of the KDE
>> implementations) might be more suitable. He's going to be pretty much
>> learning on his own, so a suitable book and references must be
>> available. With something like Visual Basic, he'll probably be able
>> to get immediate and more gratifying results as well, which should
>> help keep up the motivation.
I agree that Ruby would make a good "first" language, but I have to
admit that _why's book probably won't be the best guide for your Dad.
It's a great book, don't get me wrong, but it's way too, ah,
avant-guarde for Dad-type people. Unless your dad is an IPod-dancing
Halo II champion that likes to party all night, that is. :-)