The case for teaching functional programming in discrete math
Thomas VanDrunen · 2011
Functional programming is losing its place in undergraduate computer science curricula, in part because of the attention given to many new ideas in the field. Nevertheless, undergraduates benefit from an early experience in a second programming paradigm, especially functional programming. The solution, advocated here, is to weave functional programming into the discrete mathematics course. Not only does this give a convenient, early occasion to teach functional programming, but it also allows the functional programming topics and discrete mathematics topics to illuminate each other. Furthermore, it provides a service course to students in mathematics and other majors.