Morendil comments on Open Thread: March 2010 - Less Wrong

5 Post author: AdeleneDawner 01 March 2010 09:25AM

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Comment author: XiXiDu 01 March 2010 06:52:02PM *  3 points [-]

What programming language should I learn?

As part of my long journey towards a decent education, I assume, it is mandatory to learn computer programming.

  • I'm not completely illiterate. I know the 'basics' of programming. Nevertheless, I want to start from the very beginning.
  • I have no particular goal in mind that demands a practical orientation. My aim is to acquire general knowledge of computer programming to be used as starting point that I can build upon.

I'm thinking about starting with Processing and Lua. What do you think?

Comment author: Morendil 02 March 2010 09:05:16PM *  3 points [-]

Consider finding a Coding Dojo near your location.

There is a subtle but deep distinction between learning a programming language and learning how to program. The latter is more important and abstracts away from any particular language or any particular programming paradigm.

To get a feeling for the difference, look at this animation of Paul Graham writing an article - crossing the chasm between ideas in his head and ideas expressed in words. (Compared to personal experience this "demo" simplifies the process of writing an article considerably, but it illustrates neatly what books can't teach about writing.)

What I mean by "learning how to program" is the analogue of that animation in the context of writing code. It isn't the same as learning to design algorithms or data structures. It is what you'll learn about getting from algorithms or data structures in your head to algorithms expressed in code.

Coding Dojos are an opportunity to pick up these largely untaught skills from experienced programmers.