Simpleton Geek Teaches Computer Programming Book 2 Chapter 6A

NANOWRIMO 2013

Simpleton Geek Teaches Computer Programming Book 2
6. Console Text
6.1 What is a 'true' computer programmer?

The students of FISHOIL high school entered the classroom with trepidation. After the disastrous exam the day before, nobody knows what to expect. The only thing the teacher, Ramstrong the Simpleton Geek, told them is to bring a computer programming kit: Journal book with rectangular/square lines. Pen, pencil, ruler, eraser, and a Nintendo DSi/3DS XL with Petit Computer installed.

“Petit Computer is the complete computer program development platform in the palm of your hand!” the teacher would rather loudly proclaim. “Nothing else comes close! Not even TI-84 or Raspberry Pi! There's nothing wrong with those devices, but this one is better!”

“Teacher, what about laptop? We can bring those in...” a student was trying to avoid typing on the small screen.

“Nonsense! We're going to be using Basic computer programming, and the ones there aren't good. Besides, PC is a rather complex machinery. You don't want the hassle of setting up configuration files when you're still learning how to program!

“That is not to say that there's no good programming language on there. I'm partial to Perl, Pascal, Processing, or even Python. But the truth is, you guys are such a loser, the only good computer programming language for you guys is Basic.”

“There are many Basic available for the PC.” the student pleaded.

“Nonsense! Sure there are many computer programming language on PC called 'Basic', but if you look into it, either they're visual, or modular, or structured. In other words, they have all the trappings of modern language convenience that will distract you from learning 'real' computer programming!”

“What is 'real' computer programming?” asked the student.

“Do you know why I asked you to bring a journal notebook? The 'real' computer programming is not going to happen on the computer, but in that notebook. You see, computer programming isn't about print this or print that. It's about problem solving, and if you can solve the problem using paper and pencil, then you can solve the problem using a computer. The reverse isn't always true.

“Therefore, I say, that the computer can only do what you can do, only faster and more accurate. It is important that you need to raise your skills instead of depending on these programming modules to do your work for you. After all, the purpose of being computer programmer is the CREATION of those modules, instead of USING those modules.

“The current system allows people who imports those modules, string them together, and have something interesting to show as being called a 'computer programmer'. However, as far as I'm concerned, they're not computer programmer, but computer program designer.

“If you want to be called 'true' computer programmer, then you need to create those library modules yourself. That is what will go into your journal. That is why you're going to use the most minimalistic computer programming tools. That way, I can be sure that you really do know what's going on, instead of just importing some black box and claim empty knowledge.”

“Do we have to do it that way?” A student whined.

“No, but then again, you don't have to pass the class, either. Gya ha ha ha!” The teacher laughed, and that's that.