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Thursday, September 14, 2006 12:00 AM

Why Johnny can't code

BASIC used to be on every computer a child touched -- but today there's no easy way for kids to get hooked on programming.

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  • Wednesday, September 20, 2006 10:16 AM

    Johnny Should Code in FORTH

    Sir:

    I would highly suggest the following immediate measures to insure your son can code in the future:

    1. A rite of excorcism should be performed to remove all traces of BASIC, Java and C++.

    2. He should fast for at least a month on brown rice and glacier water to purify himself.

    3. Download a copy of "Starting FORTH" by Leo Brodie - a free and legal download.

    4. Download a copy of "Thinking FORTH" also by Brodie - and also free and legal.

    5. Download or purchase a copy of the FORTH programming language - many are public domain.

    6. He should sign an oath to never permit a compiler to think or second guess him and to search zen-like for elegant simple solutions.

    7. Search google and read anything about FORTH's inventor Charles H. Moore - there is no doubt of his genius.

    I have programmed in FORTH for nearly 20 years and can state it is the finest and most fascinating way for a human being to communicate with a computer. Moore's description of the FORTH philosophy:

    "Complexity is wrong. It is wrong in human terms. It is wrong in computer terms. A simple solution is the result of an exacting effort to understand the real problem and is recognized by its compelling sense of rightness".

    Having done these things I am sure your child will grow up to be a wonderful human being like me.

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