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Ask HN: Learning to code, without a computer?

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Re: Ask HN: Learning to code, without a computer?

#151

Post by mch82 »

mbertschler wrote: post #36

What is the most capable programmable device, that would not be considered a computer by the rules? How about a graphical calculator like a TI-83? While I was stuck in school and did not have access to a computer, I wanted to challenge myself during classes. The most interesting distraction by far was to play around with the programming functions of my TI-82 calculator that was required for math classes. Even with al…

The first programs I wrote were written in TI-82 basic language. It's possible to create simple interactive text prompt UI and even Gameboy-like GUI programs. Since the TI-82 memory didn't survive battery replacement, I'd "save" programs by transcribing them on to paper. Since memory was limited, it became a fun challenge to find concise ways to write programs.

Re: Ask HN: Learning to code, without a computer?

#152

Post by mch82 »

thaumasiotes wrote: post #66
mbertschler wrote: post #36

What is the most capable programmable device, that would not be considered a computer by the rules? How about a graphical calculator like a TI-83? While I was stuck in school and did not have access to a computer, I wanted to challenge myself during classes. The most interesting distraction by far was to play around with the programming functions of my TI-82 calculator that was required for math classes. Even with al…

I don't get why people continue to recommend TI-83s. I showed up to Algebra II with an 85, but 83s were weirdly prevalent until calculus "strongly recommended" TI-89s. In this context, the 83 is an awful, awful choice, because TI-83 programs only allow for variable names to be one character long. I was lucky, when someone asked me to copy my TI-85 blackjack program into their TI-83, that I had used less than 28 varia…

The 85 was okay, but the 89 was much harder to program without the aid of the computer-based IDE.

Re: Ask HN: Learning to code, without a computer?

#153

Post by justinlardinois »

j2kun wrote: post #128
Lordarminius wrote: post #52

Earlier quoted context omitted.

>> He may write programs on paper, and send them to you to type them in, compile them, and print out a listing with the errors. You then send back the listing, and he will correct his program and repeat. I'd pay good money to know what the prison superintendent thinks of this cryptic communication.

As an interesting side note, it turns out books on programming that include chapters on encryption are not allowed in prisons.

Do you have a link to any reading about this? I'm curious.

Re: Ask HN: Learning to code, without a computer?

#154

Post by inimino »

llamaz wrote: post #23

I'd recommend he read the "structure and interpretation of computer programs". It's written for audience who would, at the time, have found programming novel, but would be at home with math. Hence it's written in a language that allows you to expand out the program by pencil and paper, much the same way you would simplify an equation, to see if it works. Also the following books, which I've copied and pasted from som…

I have worked through SICP, and strongly recommend not using a computer for any of the exercises, at least until the large scale projects in the later chapters. This would be the perfect recommendation for someone who only has pencil and paper. However it is a bit intimidating if not impossible for a true newcomer without access to external resources and help. But with enough time and effort...

Re: Ask HN: Learning to code, without a computer?

#155

Post by inimino »

db48x wrote: post #145
RandomOpinion wrote: post #121

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I cannot say I agree that the list of books provided by llamaz is good. The suggestions given so far are college-level CS textbooks (like SICP) and may be too difficult to start with for somebody without the necessary background knowledge. Unless your friend was already a college student in a CS program, I would recommend looking for books and instructional materials targeted at the high-school level instead. Also be…

SICP is an introductory text, and is usually taught to first-year undergraduates. We don't even know what sort of educational background this friend has, but if he can do algebra, then he'll be able to do the exercises in the first chapter and check his answers. Furthermore, because Scheme uses the substitution model, doing the exercises on paper is possible. It'll take care and attention to detail, but every Scheme…

SICP is perfect for studying without a computer. I've done it that way and it was a great experience. However, while it is presented as an introductory textbook, it moves fast. It depends on the learner.

Re: Ask HN: Learning to code, without a computer?

#156

Post by chefkoch »

go_go_ wrote: post #137
jmcmahon443 wrote: post #114

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> Another idea: some progress has been made on optical character recognition, so if he can write well enough, it may be possible that you may be able to scan his written programs, and convert them to source file easily, without having to transcribe them. So the process could be smooth enough. I was going to ask if he has access to a smartphone to take and send photos of paper? Set up a server for it. Hell turn it int…

If this is a typical american prison, smartphones (any phone for that matter) is considered contraband.

Would a programmable calculator be allowed?

Re: Ask HN: Learning to code, without a computer?

#158

Post by toomanybeersies »

rezashirazian wrote: post #146

That's like learning astronomy without a telescope: not as fun, much more difficult but very possible.

Counterpoint:

"Computer science is no more about computers than astronomy is about telescopes."

- Commonly attributed to Dijkstra.

Re: Ask HN: Learning to code, without a computer?

#160

Post by mrkgnao »

j2kun wrote: post #128
Lordarminius wrote: post #52

Earlier quoted context omitted.

>> He may write programs on paper, and send them to you to type them in, compile them, and print out a listing with the errors. You then send back the listing, and he will correct his program and repeat. I'd pay good money to know what the prison superintendent thinks of this cryptic communication.

As an interesting side note, it turns out books on programming that include chapters on encryption are not allowed in prisons.

Is this an argument of sneaking in a book on elliptic curves that tangentially talks about cryptography?

(I kid, of course.)

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