Introductory Programming
Fall 2004

For next time:

1) Read Chapter 1 of How to Think...

2) finish following the instructions in Chapter 1 of Olinux

But don't spend more than two hours, total.


Why are we here?
----------------

Of incoming Olin students, about 2/3 have programmed before
in some general-purpose language.

      This class is not for them.

About 1/3 haven't.

      Most of these have used computers, and
      some have done something programming-like.

Some classes require programming.

      They usually teach it "on the fly".

For some people, that works.

      For some people, it is better to get the basics first.

Some people take to programming naturally, but

      For most people, programming is hard.

This class is a chance to "get your feet under you".


Why Python?
-----------

1) Python is a great first language

   pleasant syntax
   not too many exceptions

   for many tasks, there is one (natural) solution,
   rather than an unnecessary choice

2) but it's also powerful

   can handle large programs
   has lots of features and libraries

   some friendly languages are limited to small, "toy" programs

3) and it's similar to Matlab (which you will see in the ICB)

   This similarity might turn out to be confusing.  We'll see.



Why Linux?
----------

We'll be using Linux exclusively, even though you _can_ write
Python programs in Windows.

1) I think Free Software is a better choice in an academic
   environment, and I want the chance to explain why.

   But I wouldn't inflict it on you unless I also thought it
   would benefit you.

2) It's different, and you will learn a lot by seeing a different
   perspective.

3) It's powerful, and I want you to have a chance to appreciate
   that.

4) The transition from user to programmer is smoother in Linux.
  
   And you can use programming to solve real problems.

   Example: generating photo thumbnails and HTML index.



Digging a hole
--------------

If you're building a house, you start by digging a hole.

Before we start programming, we need to learn a little bit about
Linux, and we need to do some maintenance.

WARNING: The maintenance part of things is ugly and a little bit
painful.  Aaron and I will try to make it as quick as possible,
and then we can get to the fun stuff!



Plan for today
--------------

1) Quick look at the syllabus

2) Boot Linux!