From: "James H." <james.herdman@...>
Date: 2006-02-24T01:13:33+09:00
Subject: Re: Ruby as First Language

But more importantly, *should* Ruby be a first language taught, period?
 I tend to think no.

C allows you to have a base understanding of all the technical aspects
of programming, like memory management, procedural thought, and the
basics of writing methods.  These are generally good skills to have,
and you'll find that you use them everywhere.  C is a lot like latin,
insofar that it's not changing much, and is used to communicate ideas.
I also think it's a little more "native" to initial human understanding
about programming.  People tend to think of it as a linear, or
semi-cyclical set of instructions.  In that regard, I think C is a good
way to enter the scene.

The thought process overhead in object oriented programming is quite
extensive.  It takes a long time to really get in the mode.  If you
learn somethings about C, and get a basic grasp before moving on to
Ruby, you'll understand and have a better appreciation for some of the
"magic" going on behind the scenes, as well as opening other avenues
for your programming career.  Doubly, it takes a long time to learn how
to think in objects -- something I admit, myself, to just be getting
the hang of.  When you start reading about design patterns, you realize
the complexity, and beauty that OOP allows you.

If the original poster decides to forgo C for Ruby in the time being, I
hope the poster eventually returns to it, if even just to have a base
understanding of what's going on beneath the scenes.