RE: Java starting point

[Joel Fritz <JFritz@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

While I agree there's no compelling reason to learn C or C++ before Java, I
don't think there's anything inherently evil about either language.  The
problem is that both provide almost unlimited opportunity for people who
live by the principle "In obscurity lies job security."  It's actually
possible to write clear self documenting code in both languages.  You have
to want to do it, though.

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Terrell Deppe [mailto:terrell@rdtech.com]
> Sent: Monday, August 16, 1999 12:24 PM
> To: JAVA400-L@midrange.com
> Cc: Todd Chaffee; Al Hurst; Don
> Subject: Re: Java starting point
> 
> 
> Don wrote:
> > 
> > Actually guys, the idea of starting with C then going to 
> Java came from
> > non-other than John Sears at the NEIBM Conference this past 
> spring.  I
> > usually figure that he knows what he's talking about...:)
> 
> Sorry, but credentials or not, I must profess my sternest 
> disapproval.  
> 
> I've made a living writing C/C++ code for over 10 years now, 
> and Java for just
> over three.  I also teach courses on these languages.  C and 
> C++, though very
> powerful and useful, clutters the Java learning curve with 
> unnecessary artifacts
> (pointers, memory allocation/deallocation, templates, 
> multiple inheritance, sep.
> header/source, scope issues, etc).  Dare I say that this is 
> similar to having to
> learn to use punch cards before learning to use a keyboard?  
> DOS before
> Windows?  Horse and buggy before a car?  Index finger before 
> middle finger? 
> 8^o  <DOH!> (sorry, I was on a roll there :-)
> 
> C has no concept of objects.  C++ is just plain overwhelming 
> (the Wasa in
> Stroustrup's words).  Java is clean, simple and very straight 
> forward.  Learn
> what you need to learn with fewer distractions, and become 
> productive as quickly
> as possible.
> 
> Personally, I tell any one interested in learning C++, to 
> learn Java first.  I
> tell anyone interested in learning C, to learn russian roulette first.
> 
> -T
> 
> 
> 
> 
> > 
> > Don in DC...
> > 
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