So there's a discussion going around about bundling a form of VS.NET (likely some Express Edition) with Vista. It started
here, and got a response by Dan Fernandez of Microsoft
here, with a number of trackbacks everywhere.
One of the arguments given is that it'll help Microsoft grow the next generation of coders:
"Part of the appeal of Linux is that you can easily develop and modify
stuff. Why not keep the next generation of creative developers by
providing them with that opportunity on Windows?"
To the best of knowledge, Microsoft doesn't have a problem creating new, or retaining existing developers - it's the most developed platform out there, way ahead of linux. So why try to solve a non-existent problem?
My real problem with all of this is that it goes against what a number of us have been saying here at codebetter.com : PROGRAMMING IS TOO EASY. Some people out there actually want a shortcut on my mom's computer so she can write her own "window manager or even file system". Whatever world some people are living in,
I'm jealous. There are too many people out there writing crappy software, way too many writing way too crappy stuff. It's a n honest to god plague that'll eventually boil over and cause some major issues (liabilities).
If you have a child, or know of one, that you think would like to learn to program, check out the
Kid's Programming Language (KPL). I've used it and like it very much - problem solved!
Posted
Fri, Aug 11 2006 7:49 AM
by
karl