11–20 of 53 posts
Javascript is.
It's even got the "nastiness" factor down. :-)
We're also starting to see things like Snap written in pure JavaScript/HTML5:
But Python is a fine programming language for beginners. A Raspberry-pi would be another good teaching tool. Processing might be interesting to some kids as well...
But there is no new Basic, no new Logo, no new Oregon Trail, no new Math Blasters. Those things belong to a different era.
Javascript is.
Agree 100%. You don't have to install anything. It's on every machine with a modern web browser, even mobile devices. It's even got the "nastiness" factor down. :-) We're also starting to see things like Snap written in pure JavaScript/HTML5: http://snap.berkeley.edu/snapsource/snap.html
The one key difference between BASIC and (python lua javascript & etc) has nothing to do with the language at all: modern computers don't boot straight in to a REPL. Anyone who used a C64 more than likely knows a little BASIC, can't say the same for naive Windows or Mac users.
For someone who already knows how to program, Python seems to be very easy to pick up. It's still a tremendously more complex language than BASIC. I help teach an after-school programming class for middle schoolers. Last year, we tried using Python. While some students got the hang of it, many seemed confused and demotivated. This year, I wrote a simple TinyBASIC REPL from scratch[1], aiming to produce the simplest s…
I've always felt that it's hard to go against Logo. When I was a kid, there was a direct connection between what I did on the keyboard and what the turtle would do.
That language changes your brain, not your data. Thus, it is one of the most important languages.
The one key difference between BASIC and (python lua javascript & etc) has nothing to do with the language at all: modern computers don't boot straight in to a REPL. Anyone who used a C64 more than likely knows a little BASIC, can't say the same for naive Windows or Mac users.
Maybe the modern equivalent of "boot straight in to a REPL." is starting a browser, everybody and his grandma knows how to do that, and if that is done, Javascript is closer than any other programming language. I can imagine a default, browser based Javascript REPL just being one mouseclick away. that can be done and probably will be done sooner or later.
Cmd-Opt-J[0]. While easy to get to, it's not the same as being forced into a REPL every time you use your computer; you still have to know it's there, lessening the temptation to jump right in and break things.
[0] or insert browser/platform appropriate shortcut for JS console/debugger here