[Discuss] Programming Presentation Poll

[Patrick]

On Sat, 02 Feb 2008 15:14:26 -0800
John Blomfield wrote:

> As promised the following are some questions, the answers to which would 
> help me design my talk on programming and any future presentations, to 
> better suit my audience. ( See earlier email 
> http://www.vlug.org/pipermail/discuss/2008-February/024571.html )
> 
> Please answer yes or no to the following:
> 
> a) I have a working knowledge of at least one programming language ( not 
> including bash etc ).

Kind of.  Varies, depending on the language [and how much of it
I can remember, and whether or not I can remember where I left the
#$*&% manual].

> 
> b) I have some knowledge of C programming and have written a program.

No.

> 
> c) I have some knowledge of C++, Java or similar Object Orientated 
> Language and have written a program.

Maybe [see below].

> 
> d) I have some knowledge of another programming language (not mentioned 
> above, please specify).

Maybe.

Inform is an object-oriented language with C-like syntax,
developed for the creation of Z-code programs; same binary format
used by Infocom for text-based games like Zork, Bureaucracy,
Hitch-Hiker's Guide... and there's a quite faithful rewrite of
ADVENT floating around too [not released by Infocom; ported from
ye olde Fortran, as she is spake, to Inform, long after Infocom
went out of business].

I used it to write an I Ching program, but it was procedural
[did not make use of objects or classes], and used none of the
language's built-in libraries.

> 
> e) I would like to know how to start learning to write simple programs 
> for Linux.

Yes.

> 
> f) I don't normally attend meetings but would do so if the presentation 
> topics were more suitable for experienced Linux users.

N/A  [not advanced, and I usually show up.]

> 
> g) I am still learning about Linux and won't understand presentations if 
> they become too advanced and this may dissuade me from attending.

Umm...

Okay, let me break that down a little...

> g) I am still learning about Linux

Yes.

> and won't understand presentations if 
> they become too advanced

Chunks, yes, but I've never felt completely lost.

> and this may dissuade me from attending.

No.

> 
> h) I will attend or continue to attend all meetings even if they have a 
> mixture of "newbie" and more advanced topics.

Yes.

> 
> You may respond privately if you wish but will share the statistical 
> results anonymously. Thank you for your patience and help.

Yes.

I mean, thanks.  :-)


> 
> John Blomfield

Patrick.

-- 
Humanity has advanced, when it has advanced, not because it has
been sober, responsible, and cautious, but because it has been
playful, rebellious, and immature.
		-- Tom Robbins