<p>Its a scripting language, you just posted it. So again its not a programming language.</p>
<p>A programming language is a machine-readable artificial language designed to express computations that can be performed by a machine, particularly a computer. Programming languages can be used to create programs that specify the behavior of a machine, to express algorithms precisely, or as a mode of human communication.</p>
<p>– Wikipedia</p>
<p>I’ve worked in compilers before and I’ve done work on Javascript for Mozilla. Javascript meets all of the requirements for a programming language.</p>
<p>It appears that you are confusing Javascript for a markup language.</p>
<p>programming is a special way of thinking. do NOT feel bad if you struggled in the class. I got a 48/100 on my first midterm, and on the final, I ended up putting n/a on about half the test that required written code. I got a C because the professor was legit, but honestly, dont feel bad. CS is weird</p>
<p>Imho, programming is largely a matter of out-of-classroom experience.
It’s a way of thinking you learn easily if you do projects - I started with C (well, not ANSI, but close), and created games. Started with Hangman and worked myself up to Pingpong, some jump-n-run, 4-wins, Tetris, Pacman, Space Invaders,… Basically programmed all the old games.
It was fun, highly motivating (because there’s something about games crashing when you show them off that makes you want to >really< understand pointers and stuff like that). I learned on-the-go: First I wanted that paddle from Pingpong to show up, and learned about the graphics library. Then I wanted it to move… Then I realised I had to delete the old picture… Then I had to think up something with collision detection…
Maybe my early programming education wasn’t complete, but it was sure as hell problem-oriented and I learned far more than I could have from doing worksheets.</p>
<h2>I was thirteen at that time, got my first job as a programmer at age fifteen. I’m still making a living from it, though I’ve progressed editing/ghostwriting computer science books. Boring, but well-paid.</h2>
<p>I agree: Javascript meets all of the requirements for a programming language, though many people only use small scriptlets nowadays (including me, I’m a .net-enthusiast and my basic needs are fulfilled there)…
Fortran is still in use - I learned the basics, but I’m trying to really become a pro in MATLAB, it’s the software of choice for my potential future employers (fluid mechanics…).- but I’ve still years to go.</p>
<p>
Who says that CS classes are all about problem sheets? That sounds exactly like the write-a-jump-and-run-game assignment for my intro CS class.</p>
<p>It helps if you grew up programming stuff for fun as it gives you a mindset of doing it without any pressure. For those heading into CS, some preparation may make it easier to absorb so much material in your first semester.</p>
<p>If you think that programming is weird, it gets weirder in successive years. When you get to your theory courses, there you learn whether you’re more of a practical person or a theoretical person.</p>
<p>of course use wikipedia, show a legit source please.</p>
<p>“of course use wikipedia, show a legit source please.”</p>
<p>Most responsible engineers would simply look for verification or nullification of a view. Of course some are too lazy to do that. You could simply take my word as an expert of course. But in case that’s not enough:</p>
<p>ACM Portal:</p>
<p>JavaScript as a first programming language for multimedia students
ACM SIGCSE Bulletin archive
Volume 30 , Issue 3 (September 1998) table of contents</p>
<p>ABSTRACT</p>
<p>Whilst there has been much discussion of Java as a first programming language, JavaScript has been comparatively ignored. This paper argues the merits of JavaScript as a first programming language for Multimedia students. It then describes the content of modules that use this approach, and reports experiences and findings on first delivery. As a result of positive experiences we are now planning to use JavaScript as precursor to Java for mainstream Computing students. </p>
<p>Pearson Higher Education
Concepts of Programming Languages, 6/E, Robert W. Sebasta, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs ISBN 0321193628</p>
<p>“Illustrates various language constructs and design alternatives through Java, JavaScript, ML, Prolog, C++, C, Ada, Fortran, Perl and others.”</p>