Using An Interpreter To Teach IntroductoryProgramming
Mark Harman, S. Danicic · WIT transactions on information and communication technologies · 1970
Inexperienced students are overwhelmed by the steep learning curve caused by the large number of programming tools and concepts that have to be mastered before even the simplest program can be executed. Such tools clearly enhance the productivity of more experienced programmers, but to a novice, they are merely treated as something else to learn. We have noticed that a large number of potentially good programmers give up in these circumstances. We have addressed the problem by implementing our own interpreter for a subset of Modula-2. The Interpreter allows us to focus specifically upon the essentials of programming technique and allows students to experience the boost of writing their first programs before requiring them to master more sophisticated programming environments. After an initial period using the interpreter, students have overcome the initial confidence barrier and can migrate to the use of an integrated program development environment, where they appreciate the need for tool support and the unavoidable complexity it entails.