[mb_72]

Sure you can do anything you want, but the better you are at something: a) the more enjoyable and rewarding it is for you AND b) the more efficiently you can generate something useful for others; with any activity, there is an opportunity cost

That said, learning coding is self-limiting activity; those who enjoy it and have a knack for it will continue, those that don't will stop.

My only concern, which is a general one, is that humans are pretty good at self-deception, especially in subjective areas. Look at how many people think they can sing, for example. The shattering of their illusions has been turned into entertainment, and for many people this is obviously traumatic.

I have a completely non-technical friend trying to learn javascript. When I asked why, she told me she wanted to write games. As her friend, should I save her feelings and say nothing (and let her squander her time and end up confused and frustrated) or try and reason with her (and then look like a killjoy for seemingly criticising her efforts)?

Currently I've taken the former option, but still agonise over whether this is the 'right' way or not.

[octopus]

When I start learning programming I was "completely non-technical" too. Give your non-technical friend a few years and you will see what she can do if she is really interested in making games.

I bet you were in the same situation at some point in your life.

If you want to give her a constructive advice tell her that she can use JavaScript with Unity3D for e.g. I bet you will be amazed at how productive one can became when one is passionated about something.

[mb_72]

Certainly, one's early experience skews one's perceptions - I was 10 or 11 when I was 'non-technical', my friend is 35 (and, knowing her pretty well, her skills are definitely not in the coding area).

Thanks for the tip, I'll pass it on to her.