From: Robert Klemme <bob.news@...>
Date: 2006-02-24T02:28:32+09:00
Subject: Re: Ruby as First Language

James H. wrote:
>>> 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.
>>
>> It won't teach you anything about methods because there are none in
>> C. :-)
>
> Ah, yes.  I have a bad habit of using procedure and method
> interchangably =/
>
> Interesting point about Pascal though, and when I read your words I
> find myself nodding my head in agreement that it is definitely more
> important to understand the concepts found amongst the majority of
> programming languages than the specifics of one (e.g. pointers -- one
> of the great evils of C).

:-)))

> Okay, how about this: "If you decide to use Ruby as a first language,
> it would be wise to learn C later down the road given it's widespread
> usage".  Does that make more sense?

Certainly!  C might not be for everyone but if mastered certainly helps
understanding basic issues about how programs, processors and operating
systems interact.

Kind regards

    robert