RE: How about in INC opcode(how important is syntax in the learni ng curve?)

Joel wrote:
>Maybe it's just my mindset, but I think the syntax is almost the only
thing
>to worry about when learning a new language.  The syntax exemplifies most
of
>the conceptual differences between languages.  Every now and then there's
>something like object orientation that seems to be outside the syntax
>(though not entirely, by any means) but computer languages all do the same
>thing.  (duhh)  They all have different strengths, but they still tell the
>machine what to do.
>
>I know, it sounds like warmed over Whorf-Sapir hypothesis.
>
>In all fairness, I've always looked at math (at least at the relatively
low
>level I studied) as mostly grammar, syntax, and vocabulary.

Interesting philosophical diversion!

I suppose one way to rephrase the Whorf-Sapir hypothesis as
it relates to computer programming is:  "If the only tool
you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail!"

I agree that many procedural languages (like C, Pascal, Basic,
and RPG) have similar capabilities, and so learning another
is often as easy as learning a different syntax.

But, other more powerful languages have other conceptual
hurdles.  Object-orientation is clearly a big hurdle for
languages like C++, Java, and Perl.  Knowledge and experience
in a procedural language usually offers little help and often
hinders mastery of OO.  Furthermore, effective use of Java
also means mastery of a massive library of predefined classes.
And effective use of Perl normally requires mastering regular
expressions.  Clearly (at least to me), learning one of these
languages requires more than just learning a new syntax.

Cheers!  Hans

Hans Boldt, ILE RPG Development, IBM Toronto Lab, boldt@ca.ibm.com


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