| ??? 12/30/10 05:45 Read: times Msg Score: +1 +1 Good Answer/Helpful |
#180344 - Programming on the Fringe Responding to: ???'s previous message |
Len Lekx said:
Actually, I'm choosing BASIC because it's a good starting-point on my learning curve. I've programmed the PICAxe series of chips using their BASIC language, so I figure BASCOM isn't all that big a jump. I've looked into C programming, and have something of a hard time grasping the concepts. Later on, though, I do plan on experimenting with coding in FORTH, assembler, and maybe Pascal... but I need to hone my programming skills a bit more first. :-)
Here is my personal idea on your proposal. It is just fine to get started on some 8051 type platform using BASCOM but I would quickly transition to learning a mainstream programming environment. In the long run you will find more support resources during the learning cycle for C and Assembler. After learning these you will find far more applicability to future projects, career possibilities and leverage to other platforms than experience with fringe languages. I am convinced that the only reason you would want to use fringe environments such as FORTH, Pascal etc would be because you already had some other experience using these languages (such as on a PC). Spending time learning these from scratch will be less than optimum for your long term benefits. Instead learn C and/or Assembler well. A high level of proficiency in these translates well to other architectures. In the unlikely possibility that a future career turn sees a need for you to work in a fringe language it is certain that what you have learned from C and Assembler will provide a solid grounding for picking up the fringe in an easy manner. Michael Karas |
