From: Hal Fulton <hal9000@...>
Date: 2006-05-23T14:41:22+09:00
Subject: Re: program writing

corey konrad wrote:
> i think i understand the basic syntax of ruby, now what do i do with it? 
> I open up my text editor and draw a blank. How do i get ideas and 
> actually start programming? Its alot of different than poetry or art 
> where i can basically start anywhere and just go wild with creativity. I 
> guess i just dont understand the creative side of programming. I also 
> dont understand why when i look at o ther peoples code i have no idea 
> what is going on. its like i learned the syntax from the book and yet i 
> cant read source code and understand what is happening. Its kind of 
> frustrating. I thought when i learned the keywords and syntax of a 
> computer language that it would open up a new door of creativity but i 
> just have no idea what to do with it.
> 

The creativity comes only when you have mastered the basics, not
when you've just been exposed to them.

Think of it as like playing an instrument. You're a beginner.
Take it slow.

I recommend finding some freshman-level programming exercises
and trying them out.

You have to play "Mary Had a Little Lamb" with confidence
before you can jump on stage with Miles Davis and improvise.



Hal