[ale] Programming Question - Where to Start

[John Wells]

Why not use perl as a first language?  

I assume all people who subscribe to this list are
reasonably intelligent.  It takes a reasonably
intelligent person to learn and understand Perl. 
Learning python, java and sh to get to Perl is a waste
of time.  

If you shy away from challenges, then this approach
might be the way to go.  However, if you really want
to learn, and learn in the shortest amount of time
possible, dive right in.  You may be underwater for
awhile, but you'll soon learn to swim.

Perl is *not* that complicated.  And you learn a lot
by learning it.  Python, sh and java are all
worthwhile endeavors, but not necessary stepping
stones to perl.

John

--- hirsch at zapmedia.com wrote:
> Byron, you took the words right out of my mouth. 
> Perl is not a good
> first language.  Python is a great first language. 
> From Python, I'd
> then try java and sh.  Then you might be ready for
> perl.
> 
> --Michael
> 
> Byron A Jeff writes:
>  > > 
>  > > I am ready to admit that I need to acquire some
> basic programming skills,
>  > > and believe that Perl is probably the best
> place to start.
>  > 
>  > Probably not. Perl is a very eclectic language
> that pulls from a bunch of
>  > other Unix style languages (C, awk, sed, shell).
> So if you're not in the
>  > know about Perl's lineage, it can be very crypic
> and confusing.
>  > 
>  > > 
>  > > I have done some very basic high-level
> 'programming', in the form of PAL
>  > > (Paradox App Lang) scripting a long time ago,
> and more recently some
>  > > Filemake Pro scripting, but in no way consider
> myself to be a programmer.  I
>  > > have peeked at some Perl scripts, and am
> mystified by what I see.
>  > 
>  > That's exactly the point I was trying to make
> about Perl.
>  > 
>  > > 
>  > > So, my question is, where shouod I start?  Is
> there a good book for absolute
>  > > beginners, that won't assume that I know a
> bunch of stuff that I don't?
>  > > Should I take a class?  Both?  I was planning
> on finding a good book for
>  > > beginners, worky my way through that, then once
> I know enough to be
>  > > dangerous, see if I can find a class.
>  > 
>  > Take a look at Python. It's simple,
> straightforward, and highly structured.
>  > It's a good first language. And a powerful
> everyday language.
>  > 
>  > BAJ
>  > 
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