[Wolves] Programming

[bambam at opendildonics.org]

> > 2) Quick to learn
> >
> > C/C++ take frikin' ages to learn if you've never coded
> > before, and everything you write for the next 4 years (if
> > you're lucky) I (or other dodgy geezers about) will be able
> > to use to take over your machine. Which brings me onto my
> > next point:
> >
>
> Having said that, I must point out that one of the best programming
> books I have ever read was ABC (A Book on C). I've no idea who the
> author was now, but I'm sure it is easy to find. I enjoyed reading it
> (while on the train many times three years ago), and did understand C by
> the end of it. Unfortunately I never used my new knowledge and reverted
> to Java and Shell scripting, so can no longer remember what pointers etc
> are.

Took me four years to learn C properly. I learned python in
about a week (admittedly I was a little older etc, but Wow!
what a difference).

> > 3) Easy to keep bug-free.
> >
> > Bugs and C/C++ go together like bonnie and clyde, like butch
> > casady and the sundance kid. Coding in C/C++ is the digital
> > equivalent of flying a jet fighter with no intruments and no
> > onboard computer. High level languages sort all the
> > crazyness out for you and basically fly the plane - you just
> > sit there and dictate where it needs to go.
> >
>
> Higher level languages still encounter bugs, and as a beginner you
> really need to understand things like Arrays, Lists, Hash tables,
> Objects, Inheritance etc.... regardless of what language

Indeed they do, and you do, but "as a beginner" you don't
really need to understand things like linked lists,
pointer-pointer lists, heap and stack structure,
off-by-one bugs, memory leaks etc...

You need to understand all these things to code in C/C++
with even a trace of competence.

> > 4) Demonstrate (and indeed enforce) good programming style,
> > structure, layout and techniques.
> >
> > C/C++ do none of that, neither does perl, but python does it
> > all.
> >
> I'm not necessarily sure that a programming language can enforce any of
> the above personally. Reading the right books, having a mentor and the
> ability to accept constructive criticism are good starting points.

Maybe that's because you're a shell scripter.

> > 6) Allow cross platform use.
> >
> > Python code is truly cross-platform.
>
> So is Java, Perl and numerous other languages.

But not shell script.

> > Python is the best language to learn to code in first. It is
> > a fast developing, clear, ninja language, that will glue
> > everything you do after learning it together; both in your
> > head and sometimes in the code. It is an awesome tool to be
> > able to pull out of your hat.
>
> Perhaps after Kat learns Python I will give it a go, until then I will
> remain unconvinced that any language can be that good.

Indeed you should. I'm not convinced that you wouldn't be
convinced. But then, you're a shell scripter.

> --
> Technical Consultant
> Open Minds High Availability Solutions
> w : http://openminds.co.uk
> e : david.goodwin at openminds.co.uk
> t : +44 (0)121 313 3947 f : +44 (0)121 313 3944

"Open Minds" vs. "until then I will remain unconvinced..." ?
You decide :-)

bambam

--
Cry 'import socket' and let slip the packets of war.