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by EatenByGrues 5808 days ago
I originally learned to code with QBASIC and then C but if I had to do it all over again I would pick a language with a REPL (so ruby, python, lisp etc.) That speeds up the understanding of the language dramatically in my opinion. Being able to instantly experiment and get results is priceless.
2 comments
Avshalom 5808 days ago
I wonder if a REPL might be counterproductive in a first language. Everyone seems to agree that the ability to produce a "thing" quickly and easily is important. In contrast every time I see an tutorial or introduction to a language with a REPL making a thing is always de emphasized in preference for showing off the language facilities.

Well except Logo which was all about making art "things."

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ippisl 5805 days ago
Research has shown that rapid feedback is a needed element in rapid learning. this has been proven true in many fields. REPL gives you this.

And from my experience , with a REPL , making things is easier and faster.

And in languages without a REPL , the barrier to explain something is bigger(you have to write a lot of cruft code) , so it might make more sense to build something rather than showing language features.

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ricree 5808 days ago
Maybe I'm remembering wrong, but didn't QBASIC actually have a REPL?
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