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by hajile 1619 days ago
> Its 2022, people don't want to fiddle around with a terminal.

Is this a good thing though?

Computer illiteracy seems to be at a new high-water mark with the upcoming generation. They generally know how to punch some buttons to make a few things work, but nothing more.

If anything, I think we should be teaching the basics of the UNIX command line starting around 5th or 6th grade. Get those kids playing around and learning a bit more about their systems. Maybe teach a few little python or Javascript one-liners to automate some stuff. Not everyone will pick everything up, but a lot of overlooked kids would find a new skill that will help them no matter which direction their lives take them.

1 comments

Just no.

I love the terminal and everything but we should not teach people how to use it. The terminal is not the most user friendly thing out there is it? (maybe its harsh saying "should not teach" but lets say make them aware there is a terminal but there should be alterantives)

I would not get rid of it.. ever, but I would love to see alternatives to it. People are too fixated on working from the terminal and using the terminal that they don't see that its literally the thing that gate keeps people away from trying Linux.

If you've ever worked with Windows GUI settings, it should be obvious that they really suck and memorizing a command line tool is much easier/faster.

People use the terminal because it's easier to learn and use than countless GUI windows.

The concepts aren't hard. People aren't stupid and there's no reason to treat them like they are.

I'm sorry but that comment is very out of touch with how normal, non-tech people use computers. A terminal is a major obstacle for them.