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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.
By David Brin

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  • Thursday, September 14, 2006 04:49 PM

    Alternatives

    I think that while some of what you say is true, you are missing some of the other interpreted languages that are available.

    Mac OS comes be default with Perl. A very easy to learn interpreted language. Windows users can install ActiveState Perl.

    Many young web developers are getting their start with PHP.

    This is another easy to use interpreted language.

    While I admit that BASIC was my first language and where I learned to code as a kid, I think their are alternatives for the interested and initiated. Maybe the text books should replace Basic with Perl....maybe.

    —Ron Dorn

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