Feedback wanted on programming introduction (Python in Windows)

[Olof Bjarnason]

2009/10/28 Martin P. Hellwig <martin.hellwig at dcuktec.org>

> Alf P. Steinbach wrote:
>
>> * tm:
>>
>>> On 28 Okt., 07:52, "Alf P. Steinbach" <al... at start.no> wrote:
>>>
>>>> [Cross-posted comp.programming and comp.lang.python]
>>>>
>>>
>>> Looking at your topic '(Python in Windows)', without taking a
>>> glimpse at your actual introduction, I have the following to say:
>>> I think it is not a good idea to teach programming with a focus
>>> on a specific operating system. Programming should IMHO be taught
>>> without reference to an operating system. Otherwise you just teach
>>> how to write unportable programs.
>>>
>>
>> I think you're trolling a little. :-)
>>
>> Without reference to an OS you can't address any of the issues that a
>> beginner has to grapple with, including most importantly tool usage, without
>> which it's not even possible to get started, but also, very importantly, a
>> file system.
>>
>> Learning programming without tools and without using files (or only using
>> the common denominator for file systems in OSes X, Y and Z) is sort of
>> vacuous...
>>
>> In addition there's the motivational factor.
>>
>
> I conclude from this that your assumption is that the reader might not be
> competent enough to have basic portable knowledge of using a computer. Which
> is fair enough, however I would suggest writing an introduction to solve
> this fundamental absence of knowledge first before introducing concepts like
> programming in python for which already are a number of freely
> available/modifiable resources online.
>

What would be good is if there was a "balancing book" eg. one specifically
targeting ubuntu, which is gaining popularity as we mail.


>
> I don't think it is a virtue to help adding to the pool of programmers
> unaware of the command line, whatever platform that might be.
>
> But ignoring the above (I assumed and assumption you made, so it is likely
> I've got it totally wrong :-) ), I think that creating such a document
> provides a unique opportunity to document things that the more experienced
> developers take for granted but is a complete enigma for beginners in
> programming and using computers in general.
>
> Good luck with your effort!
>
> --
> MPH
> http://blog.dcuktec.com
> 'If consumed, best digested with added seasoning to own preference.'
>
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> http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
>



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