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by agoodthrowaway 3127 days ago
Dropouts are ok and honestly a good thing. Not everyone is cut out to be an engineer.

I think the commenter is correct. C makes you learn how a computer works. As your code gets more sophisticated you'll eventually have to know this or you can't take your work to the next level. I don't know C all that well and I'm currently facing gaps in my knowledge that would be filled in had I spent some time with a C compiler.

2 comments

That's like saying everyone should be introduced to Math via integration rather than counting because not everyone is cut out to be a Mathematician.

I accept your premise that we don't want to push people into professions they are not capable of doing well in. But basic knowledge of programming is becoming important enough that I think providing a gentle intro is wise. Like Math and Physics, you can ramp up the difficulty in later classes.

"Dropouts are ok and honestly a good thing. Not everyone is cut out to be an engineer."

Agreed. Unfortunately the job market pushes people into professions they are not suited for. I bet 90% of lawyers do it for the career prospects and not because they like law.