[plt-scheme] Programming and Martial Arts

On Feb 7, 2009, at 7:34 AM, Mitch Wand <mwand1 at gmail.com> wrote:

> I've been trying out a different metaphor as a way of making students
> stick to the Design Recipe:
>
> In martial arts, the first thing you learn is to do simple motions
> very precisely.  Ditto for ballet, where the first thing you learn is
> the five positions.
>
> Once those are committed to muscle memory, you can go on to
> combinations and variations.
>
> Same deal for programming via HtDP: first practice using the templates
> until you can do it without thinking.  Then you can go on to
> combinations and variations.
>
> And muscle memory is absolutely critical: that's knowledge that
> compiled in your head, not interpreted.

Isn't it more practical to compile when a young, inexperienced head  
hasn't yet been filled with ad hoc a.out files?  What about entire  
corporations?  They can occasionally be convinced of the value of  
Martial Arts, but don't touch their JAVA with alternatve programming  
approaches :)

>
>
> --Mitch
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