Beginner Programing

[Targhan]

I agree with the concepts, but I feel that someone who's never coded a line at all should start at the very beginning.  On an Amiga, that would be an AmigaDOS script.

Between AmigaDOS and IconX, a beginner can see result immediately.  Once a few scripts have been written they can move to Basic, ARexx, or any number of other "beginner" languages.

Example:

From OS3.5's (or above) EditPad, type the following:

avail flush

Save the file(call it GarbageCollector); then, open the icon-information.  Where the default tool says "EditPad," type IconX in it's stead.  (If your system is not set up correctly, you may have to give the path to IconX).  

Now, you have your first program that actually does something!  Double click on GarbageCollector and marvel at the program you created!  :-)

[Targhan]

load ,8,1

[Targhan]

@MarkTime:  I agree about Rebol for learning to program with.

However, I still stand by my earlier statement that a user looking to
program on the Amiga must start with using AmigaDOS scripts.  There
are several good reasons to start with AmigaDOS scripts.

1. It's really easy.

2. AmigaDOS scripts still gives one access to standard features of
AmigaDOS (Ex. RequestChoice)

3. Learning AmigaDOS scripting helps the aspiring programmer to really
learn where files go, and how the basic system works.  Don't
underestimate the value of knowing AmigaDOS scripting--particularly
when there is a Startup-Sequence and User-Startup to deal with ;-)

Other than AmigaDOS being the bottom line, I agree about REBOL.  It's
incredibly easy, powerful, and cross platform.  It's not like Java,
which even SUN can't keep things standard between versions--let alone
across platforms.  REBOL, as a language, is great for beginners.

[Targhan]

@jdiffend

No, our suggestions make plenty of sense.  You have misenterpreted the
topic of discussion.  A person doesn't make a car until they
understand how to have a wheel.  The same concepts apply here.  A
beginner doesn't need to jump off of the deep-end to either swim or
drown.

Besides, REBOL does graphics and there are games done in REBOL. --Even
an Arkanoid clone!


Finally, I said it before and will say it again, and again--the true
beginner needs to start with AmigaDOS scripts.  They've got to learn
what a variable is, what a loop is, and how to use naming conventions
before they should tackle C, C+, Java, or any other of the 'more
difficult' languages.