Is Learning LISP with "How to Design Programs" a Good Strategy for Beginners?
Asked by
CuriousCat123
I'm diving into "How to Design Programs" by MIT Press, which teaches programming using a variation of LISP. I've never coded before—I'm just interested in understanding programming deeply rather than seeking a job. I've heard that many old computer science courses used LISP, and while I know modern advice often suggests starting with Python for its ease, I'm intentionally choosing this old-school approach. The book is somewhat dated, but it focuses on fundamental programming concepts and logical thinking. After finishing it, I'm planning to take a Java MOOC from the University of Helsinki. I'm currently working on basic college algebra to build my math skills since I didn't have a formal college education. Does this plan sound solid for someone who's not naturally good at math and isn't aiming for a career in programming?
Answers
Starting with a language like LISP will definitely give you a different perspective on programming concepts! It’s not widely used, but it can deepen your understanding as you learn its syntax and logic. Just understand that transitioning to more popular languages later could have its challenges. Enjoy the journey!
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I think it's a good way to grasp the fundamentals, but you might want to check which version of the book you're using. There's a recent edition with updates that might help make the learning curve less steep. While LISP is a great language for understanding programming concepts, there’s a reason many recommend starting with Python—it’s much more common and can help you build more tangible projects quickly.
LearningLISP2023: I’m using the second edition, so I’m at least a bit updated! I get the point about Python though; it's just not my goal right now.
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Honestly, I think it sounds like a great choice! A lot of programmers started with LISP or Scheme and they often say it fundamentally changed how they think about programming. If you're not looking for a quick entry into the job market and just want to learn, LISP will definitely challenge you and build a strong foundation for logical thinking. Embrace the challenge!
LISPenthusiast: Exactly! I'm not a professional developer either, but I enjoyed my time learning LISP for that very reason. It can feel rewarding to think differently about code.
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I respect your motivation, but just a heads-up: LISP is unique and not widely used in the current job market, which can make it a bit harder to pick up after learning it. If your ultimate goal is to have skills applicable to modern development, you might want to think about starting with a more mainstream language like C or even Python. Just saying, there's plenty to learn there too!
CuriousCat123: True, but I’m not really chasing a job. I want to see if I can truly do this from the roots!
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OldschoolCoder: Completely agree—LISP can expand your programming mindset in ways that more conventional languages may not!