End User Programming - Real Computer Literacy
BASIC was the engine for end user programming in the early days, and still would be I think if Windows, Mac and Linux would just include it. Easy programming languages are missing or hidden from the user. Why don't people create their own software anymore? They don't feel the need for it. They can just buy what they need. While this is true, there are so many times when packaged software doesn't do exactly what is needed. There are also so many kinds of useful software that could be written that will not make it onto store shelves. In fact they may even wonder why they should bother. They don't know what they're missing if you ask me. Programming is a much better way to spend brain cells than watching TV or surfing the web. It is really hard to create software with the programming languages endorsed by the mainstream. We have gotten away from simpler languages like BASIC, perhaps under the assumption that more complexity is better, but good computing avoids needl...