The bit of this I disagree with is that “proper” programming without an IDE, keeping programs in text files and not being able to play / explore / visualise is somehow a good thing. It’s a horrible thing! It’s just what we are stuck with currently. I misunderstand?
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you can play/explore/visualise in, say, Jupyter notebook, a free IDE, very well in e.g. Python or Julia or even C++, without any Matlab tax to be paid...
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Ah, okay. I probably skimmed too much, sorry!
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Proper programming requires you to have abstract concepts in your mind. Just like proper maths isn't counting stuff on your fingers. Nothing wrong with an IDE but some abstractions are abstract and I'd prefer people got them before always using the easy way.
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By "I prefer" I mean to say that my experience has taught me people need to learn these things and represent them internally so they can actually be productive. IDEs are great and I would never stop people using them. But some concepts are simple and must be internalised.
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In the same way you want to remove training wheels because the impair learning how to ride a bike properly, there are moments in which na IDE should be avoided to promote learning. After you've learned to ride a bike, adding training wheels doesn't impair your learning.
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The metaphor only stretches a certain amount. But I think it's a basic pedagogical point.
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I'm with, I believe, @.worrydream and probably @.EdwardTufte and maybe Alan Kay – I think most of our cognitive potential comes from the cognitive tools we use. IDEs are _cognitive tools_, as much as algebra, group theory, or knowing logical fallacies.
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I hate Matlab: How an IDE, a language, and a mentality harm