[NTLUG:Discuss] Wanting to speak the language

[Justin M. Forbes]

On Thu, Feb 24, 2005 at 08:20:50AM -0600, Robert Citek wrote:
> 
> I look at programming languages a little differently.  I see them more 
> analogous to a sport or instrument.  Imagine never playing any sport 
> and now you want to learn one.  I'd say pick six sports (e.g. football, 
> soccer, tennis, golf, baseball, basketball).  Learn the basic rules and 
> play each for about an hour, then try the next.  You're not going to 
> become a master, but you will have at least a small introduction to 
> each.
> 
> Of course, I could be wrong and you're right in that it would only 
> confuse someone.
> 
I would say that this method could be very well suited to an individual
already well versed in any single language.  For the non programmer,
learning one language to a reasonable skill will make it much easier to
transfer the concepts learned from the quick syntax run on other languages.
There is always something to map the new syntax to. With no programming
background at all, it would be extremely difficult to grok this quick
sweep.

Justin