Ask HN: Learning to code, without a computer? • Hacker News Board

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

#31

Post by givinguflac » Sat, Oct 08, 2016, 7:33 PM UTC

arikr wrote: post #8

I remember reading an articulation that it is odd that we are taught to program differently to how we are taught to play music. With music, we are taught to read before we write. With programming, we start out writing. This seems like a great chance for your friend to try out the music learning approach. Send them books of excellently written programs, and allow them to read before they write. [As a side note: What i…

Currently he's wanting to learn everything he can and specialize later, but we have discussed him building a web based platform for an idea he has. But generally he sees everything moving toward software and he wants to be prepared, which isn't wrong. Thanks!

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

#32

Post by vargavince91 » Sat, Oct 08, 2016, 7:34 PM UTC

Agree with all the CS Basics book (would add the Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software, great book and if he has time, I'd go for it). I'd also consider giving him a couple of books, like: A) Clean Code by Bob Martin, B) Soft Skills by Jon Sonmez. Books that doesn't require a computer, yet teach the reader how a good developer should think while writing code and working in a team. It's also less likely he gets stuck while reading this kind of literature.

Would help if you shared the end goal. Get hired anywhere? Get hired by Top 4 Tech Company or Hot Startup of the Year? Start a business? Don't get bored? How long is he going to be incarcerated?

I would greatly appreciate if you shared your experience.

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

#33

Post by groundCode » Sat, Oct 08, 2016, 7:35 PM UTC

I came across CS unplugged a while ago. Looks like it might be useful http://csunplugged.org/

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

#34

Post by chvid » Sat, Oct 08, 2016, 7:35 PM UTC

There are some good theoretical computer science (sciency) books out there. I would recommend two of my favourites:

Gary William Flake: Computational Beauty of Nature

Douglas Hofstadter: Godel Escher Bach

They won't make you a programmer ready for a job at Facebook; but they will entertain the part of your head that makes you a good programmer.

The two books are also very well written and quite entertaining which give you the motivation you miss if you cannot try things out on your own.

Other than that: Study math at any level.

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

#35

Post by givinguflac » Sat, Oct 08, 2016, 7:36 PM UTC

VertexRed wrote: post #10

I don't understand why they don't give inmates access to a computer for a few hours per day. When they're out the hard working ones will have programming skills which will help with the job hunt.

I couldn't agree more, he's told me stories of people there for decades to whom he has attempted to explain what computers or the Internet are like. But, it's basically like telling a fairy tale as everything, down to the concept of a mouse or GUI is imaginary to someone who hasn't seen real world technology in a long time. It's really sad.

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

#36

Post by mbertschler » Sat, Oct 08, 2016, 7:36 PM UTC

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 almost no idea about programming I could soon do interesting things with it, because it is programmed using a version of BASIC. In the end I even created a clone of snake. It worked, but moving one block ahead would take 2 seconds.

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

#37

Post by givinguflac » Sat, Oct 08, 2016, 7:36 PM UTC

abledon wrote: post #22

As cheesy as this sounds... the HEAD First book series, they have fill in the blanks programming exercises.

Thanks!

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

#38

Post by amorphid » Sat, Oct 08, 2016, 7:38 PM UTC

Hey! This is a topic I'm interested in, too. If you'd like brainstorming on the idea, drop me a line. My email is in profile.

My first thoughts:

- iterate more quickly by experimenting with non-computer users who aren't in prison, as letters/email to a prisoner will have a slower feedback loop

- learn what people consider to be more fun, and and try to structure lessons within that

- see if there are some existing resources that are close to, but not exactly like, programming without a computer

- set up an open source curriculum on GitHub, so people besides yourself can contribute

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

#39

Post by EdwardMSmith » Sat, Oct 08, 2016, 7:38 PM UTC

Any possibility of a higher-end TI or an old HP calculator?

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

#40

Post by givinguflac » Sat, Oct 08, 2016, 7:40 PM UTC

x0x0 wrote: post #30

If your friend has free time, he may also enjoy _Code_ by Charles Petzold. It's a layman-oriented explanation of how computers work. Is he in state or federal prison? Are there no classes available that could give him access to a computer?

Thanks for the book suggestion! He is in state prison, and there are some courses but nothing to do with programming. To make matters worse, due to having any form of external support structure, he is categorized as a "low risk" of recidivism, and high risk people are given preferential treatment toward enrolling in classes. I don't disagree with this in theory. But unfortunately due to overcrowding, this means that ONLY high risk people are getting to do classes, so he's on his own. Thanks for the response!