--- In postmodernprogramming@yahoogroups.com, Stephen Freeman
<steve@m...> wrote:
>
> On 1 Feb 2006, at 10:34, Keith Braithwaite wrote:
> > fantastic notion to me. Which raises the question: how would you go
> > about learning a language like a post-modernist?
>
> The way most people do... Skim through enough of the book/tutorial to
> figure out the basics of the syntax and to get something to run. Then
> copy and paste an example from the web/MSDN that mostly does what you
> need. Rinse and repeat.

And don't underestimate the utility of refactoring tools in helping
people learn from examples.

I used to hate the Microsoft example code found in MSDN and the SDKs.
It's all poorly written. Most of it serves to hide the point of the
specific example. The MSDN is a virtual textbook in how *not* to program.

But I now realise that I had completely missed the point of those
examples.

When armed with ReSharper, Microsoft's example code is a fantastic way
to learn. Start with something virtually unintelligable and then
refactor your way to clarity. Rename variables to discover intent,
delete unnecessary code, pull out methods and classes to describe what
you learn as you decipher the code.

In the end you have a much deeper understanding of the API in question
and a clear expression of your understanding in code.

What I find surprising is that Microsoft's MSDN team invented a method
of teaching that relies upon tools that Microsoft themselves are
unable to implement.