D Programmer Jobs at Sociomantic Labs

[Gary Willoughby]

On Monday, 4 November 2013 at 15:58:48 UTC, Chris wrote:
> "Who D is Not For
> - As a first programming language - Basic or Java is more 
> suitable for beginners. D makes an excellent second language 
> for intermediate to advanced programmers."
> (http://dlang.org/overview.html)

I'd argue against this. I think D would make a terrific first 
language. Remember, you wouldn't start with metaprogramming on 
day one. If you started with the basics using simple syntax and 
introduce the compiler incrementally it would be very 
educational. IMHO new programmers should start by learning how 
memory works, what binary is, how big built-in types are, etc. I 
am continually amazed when working with seasoned developers who 
have no idea why floats aren't precise, what a pointer is or what 
or bit-shifting does. It's staggering.

I personally also think BASIC is a total waste of time for 
beginners. I does something to peoples minds that once they learn 
it, they never want to use anything else ever again. I totally 
agree with the following quote:

"It is practically impossible to teach good programming to 
students that have had a prior exposure to BASIC: as potential 
programmers they are mentally mutilated beyond hope of 
regeneration." -Edsger W. Dijkstra

Years ago i was part of a BASIC community and the flamewars about 
even thinking about new technologies were something to behold.

Something like C or D (i'd opt for D) should be any devs first 
language. Simply to educate them in the basics.