RE: [PCTECH] My teenager "needs" to learn C or C++...

["Bob Crothers" <bob2@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I'd also have to say "Let Him Go For It" also.

My first language was a machine code/assembler type thing on the Monroe 1666
programable calculator in 1972 or 3.  Didn't know that you weren't supposed to 
be
able to get the thing to play tic tac toe.  "Sold" the program to Monroe for a
new card reader for the thing (actually, I gave them the program, they gave my 
HS
the reader).

Besides, pushing somebody off the end of the pier and watching them splash 
around
can be fun.  Stand by with a life preserver, but frequently, they will figure 
out
how to swim!!!

Bob

> -----Original Message-----
> From: pctech-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:pctech-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx] On
> Behalf Of Alan C
> Sent: Friday, September 24, 2004 8:32 PM
> To: PC Technical Discussion for iSeries Users
> Subject: Re: [PCTECH] My teenager "needs" to learn C or C++...
> 
> 
> >To hear him tell it, the only languages they are "allowed" to use are C or
> >C++.
> >
> >Agreed on kids reaching, but for a first programming language?
> >
> A couple of situations in my life have caused me to err on the side of
> encouraging youth whole-heartedly. One son had some ambitious ideas at
> one time and I scoffed because it was Amway and at the time I didn't
> understand that kind of business. That is one of the most shameful
> memories I have.
> 
> I would venture to say if he's been relatively good at math, if he's
> able to think analytically, and isn't intimidated by this at all (and it
> sounds like not) then I say let him try it. (By the way, by thinking
> analytically, I think it's mostly the ability to translate a situation
> posited into math formulas and algorithms.
> 
> (Big disclaimer:) But remember, that's just based on purely what you
> posted about the situation, a very brief synopsis.
> 
> -- Alan
> 
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