Calling bullshit...
I recently came across an article about a new free tool, Scratch, that offers easy coding (aka programming). Obviously, I'd be the sort to be interested in a new technology that purports simpler programming and I curiously clicked on the link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6647011.stm
Now, I don't know what your definition of programming is, but in my opinion, this doesn't even skirt the edges of simple scripting (ie HTML). The closest I can think of what this resembles is a dumbed down version of the Flash animation tool.
What gets me is they're touting it as programming. Even if they say "it's simple programming for children", it's not. It might have children thinking "oh I can program!" and if in the future they come up to any project that involves at least simple programming, even HTML, they'll be confused. OMG! WHERE'S THE BOXES TO DRAG??!
Here's a quote that really amuses me:
"A program doesn't congratulate you for the 90% that you got right. It fails for the 10% you got wrong. So an environment where you are essentially assembling components that can only be configured in set ways takes some of that hardship away."
Programming HAS to be like that. Otherwise you have people who become sloppy coders that have the mentallity that you don't have to get it right. Sort of like the people who program Windows.
It's like an auto builder saying, "Yeah, it's 95% working" and the 5% that isn't working is your brakes. Sloppy programming shouldn't be learned from childhood, because that's where most of the practices you learn tend to stay ingrained for the rest of your life.
Let's be honest folks. It's not programming. It's an animation tool that simulates simple Flash animation. They want it to sound like more for the new "Web 2.0". (I'll refrain from ranting about how "Web 2.0" is more like "Web Socialbullshit")
Amusing quotes found on various forums regarding this issue:
"I just downloaded Scratch and in a few minutes made a picture of a pig move around the screen while rotating and making fart noises. Honestly, this is all I really want out of any programming language."
"Pfft. You whippersnappers have it easy! I had to wire my logic gates by hand, and that's the ways I likes it! That was after I mined the copper to make the wires! Plus, I had to use an exercise bike to generate the electricity to power the damn thing!!!"
Now, I don't know what your definition of programming is, but in my opinion, this doesn't even skirt the edges of simple scripting (ie HTML). The closest I can think of what this resembles is a dumbed down version of the Flash animation tool.
What gets me is they're touting it as programming. Even if they say "it's simple programming for children", it's not. It might have children thinking "oh I can program!" and if in the future they come up to any project that involves at least simple programming, even HTML, they'll be confused. OMG! WHERE'S THE BOXES TO DRAG??!
Here's a quote that really amuses me:
"A program doesn't congratulate you for the 90% that you got right. It fails for the 10% you got wrong. So an environment where you are essentially assembling components that can only be configured in set ways takes some of that hardship away."
Programming HAS to be like that. Otherwise you have people who become sloppy coders that have the mentallity that you don't have to get it right. Sort of like the people who program Windows.
It's like an auto builder saying, "Yeah, it's 95% working" and the 5% that isn't working is your brakes. Sloppy programming shouldn't be learned from childhood, because that's where most of the practices you learn tend to stay ingrained for the rest of your life.
Let's be honest folks. It's not programming. It's an animation tool that simulates simple Flash animation. They want it to sound like more for the new "Web 2.0". (I'll refrain from ranting about how "Web 2.0" is more like "Web Socialbullshit")
Amusing quotes found on various forums regarding this issue:
"I just downloaded Scratch and in a few minutes made a picture of a pig move around the screen while rotating and making fart noises. Honestly, this is all I really want out of any programming language."
"Pfft. You whippersnappers have it easy! I had to wire my logic gates by hand, and that's the ways I likes it! That was after I mined the copper to make the wires! Plus, I had to use an exercise bike to generate the electricity to power the damn thing!!!"