Re: [vox] [OT] Learning to program

[Rod Roark <rodMAPS@sunsetsystems.com>]

Just to add a couple of pennies from my own experience...

I learned a variety of assembler/machine languages before C,
and as a result have no problem understanding concepts such 
as pointers.  IMO this is one of the keys to becoming a
truly proficient programmer.  You've got to understand the
machine.

This is a whole different issue from self-taught versus
classroom learning.  In my observation, anyone who cannot
pick things up by RTFM will never be a good programmer.
If you are such a person, I'd *strongly* encourage you to 
consider a different career.

Classes *are* good for learning high level concepts, but
technology will continue to evolve rapidly after the classes 
are over.  Then it will be just you and the FM (including, 
of course, what you can dig up from the Net).

Cheers,

-- Rod
   http://www.sunsetsystems.com/

On Monday 26 August 2002 09:30 am, Joel Baumert wrote:
> There are some advantages to taking classes depending on your
> personality.  Taking programming courses from a community
> college is a reasonable way to get started.  Many people have
> problems with the idea of pointers.  They can use them, but
> their usage is not internalized until they have had a class
> in C that makes them learn some of the subtleties and an
> assembly course that shows what a pointer really is.
>
> The problem with some self taught programmers is their
> breadth of understanding which you can get from applying
> yourself to good computer science program.
>
> Joel
>
> On Sun, Aug 25, 2002 at 01:38:38PM -0700, Micah Cowan wrote:
> > matthew johnson writes:
> >  > Found that very interesting too :).
> >  >
> >  > Thanks for sharing!
> >  >
> >  > To learn to programming, which is the best way? I'm an OK learner by
> >  > myself, but not the best (find it better and easier to have a teacher
> >  > who knows his or her stuff to ask the annoying questions to).
> >
> > It's cheapest to learn on your own - but effective *only* with the
> > proper materials. You may find it best to do this, and have people on
> > hand who are knowledgeable for just answering questions.
>
> [...]

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