[Edu-sig] Re: visual programming

[Christian Mascher]

Hi,

why is it that delphi isn't mentioned very often in this context on this 
list? At least in german high-schools delphi is the strongest competitor 
with java (and a share of python and other exotica).

I know it is not free, but you can download it for private use from 
borland and it certainly is a very sophisticated visual environment plus 
a fullblown objectoriented language. It is amazingly easy to use, even 
if you don't like pascal (I don't). And the compiler is very quick.

I sure prefer Python, but if I have to choose between Java and 
Delphi/Kylix I don't know. The delphi-ide takes away much of the stupid 
syntax-teaching-chore - which tends to be a much smaller problem with 
Python. With three 3/4-hours a week I actually shouldn't have the time 
to teach real programming (the syntax stuff), ideas are more important. 
   Thus my interest for tools which get out of the way.

Of course the problem with delphi is: can you interest your students for 
the behind-the-scenes-stuff (for instance: how the GUI works), if the 
program is already a "finished" GUI right away?

And: when forced to use Delphi, I miss IDLE and the simple print 
statement most. For examining algorithms this is simply the best.

Any one else used/teached with Delphi?

Christian


Kirby wrote:
> Also, on the GUI front, I think a nice compromise, if you're not wanting to
> code up inside of Tk (e.g. with John's graphics.py) or wx, is to do cgi and
> use the browser as your GUI.
> 
> Even with a whiz bang GUI, there's still a question: what does your program
> *do*? i.e. what's the GUI about?  One needs at least *some* guts behind the
> cosmetics.
> 
> As a FoxPro programmer, I know the appeal of dragging widgets from palettes
> the Microsoft way.  
> 
> Speaking of FoxPro, I'd choose VFP over VB any day for teaching.