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Stephen Wolfram's Free Book Teaches the Wolfram Language To Kids
theodp writes: Stephen Wolfram received a PhD in particle physics at age 20 (his thesis committee included Richard Feynman). So it's probably not too surprising that Wolfram's new book, An Elementary Introduction to the Wolfram Language (free on the web), aspires to teach those new to programming how to do much more than just move Minecraft and Star Wars characters around. "The goal of the book," explains Wolfram in a blog post, "is to take people from zero to the point where they know enough about the Wolfram Language that they can routinely use it to create programs for things they want to do. And when I say 'zero', I really mean 'zero'. This is a book for everyone. It doesn't assume any knowledge of programming, or math (beyond basic arithmetic), or anything else. It just starts from scratch and explains things. I've tried to make it appropriate for both adults and kids. I think it'll work for typical kids aged about 12 and up."
I was trying to figure out where I can use the language. I found something that looked like a portal for about $5 a month. is that the intended way to use this. Is the a free junior version of this somewhere? $5 isn't bad at all if you use it frequently but I'd rather learn it and see if I actually use it for free.
Some drink at the fountain of knowledge. Others just gargle.
... it helps if you make it fun. Ok, some people will learn anyway because they're really into it, but others - especially kids - won't unless its fun. Which is why Logo did well back in the 80s with moving a virtual or real turtle around.
Looking at his book it seems to me "fun" wasn't exactly in his top 10 ToDo list when writing it. For most people it will be about as much fun as having a tooth pulled. Lists and barcharts in chapter 4? Seriously? Fine in the MS Excel manual, not so great in a beginners book targeted at people who wouldn't normally think about learning programming.
Stephen Wolfram - A new kind of science - the kind you have to pay for.
The language isn't free.
From what I can tell you must pay $10/mo to $15/mo in order to "save your notebook".
How nice of him to give out free books that teach about his non-free language.
Feynman "attained a perfect score on the graduate school entrance exams to Princeton University in mathematics and physics—an unprecedented feat" - WP
However Feynman always insisted had no special talents. He credited curiosity and hard work for his success.
And did you exchange a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage? - Pink Floyd.