A compsci.ca dream...

[wtd]

I have a crazy idea. It isn't the first time, and it won't be the last time, and I regret only that I didn't propose it two days ago, since that would have been the perfect time to do it.

I have written a lot for this site. Others have done the same. And yet, it's all on one site that the larger community might overlook. I propose to end this. No, not the end of compsci.ca, but the ushering in of a new era.

I think we should take compsci.ca to print, and I have an idea to start this endeavor.

I want to create a substantial work which focuses on teaching programming (concepts) via multiple languages. So, I submit a request to the members of compsci.ca who enjoy writing: name a language and a concept you can succinctly (one to three or four chapters) demonstrate in that language. The language should have some open (or at least free), cross-platform implementation. The concept should either be crucial to a thorough understanding of programming or at least very interesting, and while your choice of implementation language should be ideal for demonstrating that concept, the concept itself should be applicable to other languages.

Who will accept my challenge?

[A.J]

Let me be the first to hop on board

Language : C++/Turing (I can't decide)
Concept : Dynamic Programming

[wtd]

Turing would be discouraged as it's not cross-platform (without emulation).

C++ is big and complex. Would you be able to convey enough C++ to a reader to also effectively demonstrate Dynamic Programming without writing an entire book just on that subject?

Consider that if Dynamic Programming is your idea, you might learn another language to more effectively demonstrate it.

[Prabhakar Ragde]

Dynamic programming should be taught as recursion plus memoization.

[saltpro15]

A.J. can teach DP, trust me

I am interested, I don't really have the time to do this right now though, what timeline do you have in mind?

[Zeroth]

I can do Python and pretty much any subject required. I'm significantly better at non-fiction informative writing(look at my blog, which I've recently started updating!) than fiction.

Another idea that would be very useful is columns on projects. Working in groups, using version control systems, project management software, and the like. Considering that the size of software teams are expanding this is a very important part of software development and computer science.

[SNIPERDUDE]

I am totally in support of this idea, though I can't contribute too much if anything: I know an extensive amount in turing, but only general knowledge in Java and Python.

If anyone knows any great python tutorials they can send me that would be awesome (besides Bite Of Python, I am reading that), there don't seem to be any significant amount on the forum.

[andrew.]

saltpro15 @ Sat Apr 04, 2009 7:34 am wrote:

A.J. can teach DP, trust me

I am interested, I don't really have the time to do this right now though, what timeline do you have in mind?

I too would like to know the timeline. I am interested but I am very busy with school right now and it seems that the only time I won't be busy is during the summer.

[btiffin]

REBOL; one line GUI programs
REBOL; dialects and why DSL's are your friend
COBOL; da' business of planning procedures and why banks don't use the languages of the script kiddies.
Icon; the power of generators
awk, sed, cut, grep and pipelines; simple task can use simple tools
Forth; stacks and threaded execution

Cheers

[A.J]

saltpro15 wrote:

A.J. can teach DP, trust me

Aw shucks

I don't know if I might be able to do a lot in the following few months, as I have AP exams and summatives coming up.

[Zeroth]

The only problem is, like pretty much everyone else, we're really bad at sticking with stuff. Look how much progress has been done on V4.

[Analysis Mode]

A.J @ Sat Apr 04, 2009 7:04 pm wrote:

I don't know if I might be able to do a lot in the following few months, as I have AP exams and summatives coming up.

Waterloo CI offers AP exams? So you've applied to the States, i'm assuming?

[wtd]

A reminder: think fundamentals. Complex things are built upon simple things, and while it may seem the simple things are already taken care of, even a cursory examination of reality indicates that fundamental topics in computer science are not well understood by many.