Hello World - computer programming for kids & beginners

Hello World is a traditional first program, but this is not
a traditional first programming book

Computer skills have become as important as reading, writing and ‘rithmatic. And while you don’t need to know programming to use a computer, having some basic programming skills can be very helpful, as word processors, spreadsheets and even games typically have some programming or macro features. Learning how to program can not only teach logic and problem solving skills, but can potentially open the door to a career that, despite increasing competition from outsourcing, still offers great opportunities (not to mention being quite fun).

But where do you start?

“Hello World! Computer Programming for Kids and Other Beginners” is a new book that just might be the answer.

Though written for kids, it is not condescending. In this case written for kids means that the book takes the time to explain concepts and words that kids might not be familiar with – often doing so in the form of sidebars so that it doesn’t interfere with the narrative. A character named Carter also appears to ask questions – a way for the authors to anticipate readers questions and answer them. Chapters are short and focused. So despite the book’s obvious targeting of kids, the authors are justified in including other beginners in the title. Adults and seniors who can get by the embarrassment of reading a “kids” book will find it a great starting point.

In an unusual twist, the authors chose to use Python as their computer language. In this they made an outstanding decision. In the past, beginner’s books often used the BASIC language, but the most popular modern Basic, Microsoft’s Visual Basic, is limited to Windows and isn’t very basic (it’s actually quite advanced). Some teach using JavaScript, which has the advantage of already being on virtually every machine - but JavaScript is tough to debug. And as for books that teach using C or C++ - those are awful languages for beginners (by today’s standards they are awful languages, period). Beginners learn best with a kind of language called an interpreter – that allows you to experiment interactively, and Python is a fine choice. Plus the Python language is similar enough to other languages so that a kid who learns it will be able to move to others if necessary. The programming concepts that are taught in the book are easily transferrable to other languages.

The book also has a nice selection of sample programs, with an emphasis on games, but with enough variety that a broad set of concepts can be covered. And the games include graphics – which adds to the appeal.

‘Hello World” is easy to read, well written and logically organized. So what’s the catch? The catch is that computer science, like any body of knowledge, requires you to learn new concepts, and you have to understand the basics before moving on to more advanced topics. Even with the best book, it’s possible to get stuck – to run into questions that the book did not anticipate. So while some kids and teens will be able to read the book, understand the examples, and answer the questions/challenges at the end of each chapter, some will get stuck along the way and not be able to move further. And that would be a shame.

So this is one book that I’d encourage you not just to buy for your kids, but to read and work on with them. If you have programming skills, you’ll be able to help them over the rough spots. If not, see if you know a friend, neighbor, teacher or family member who can be “on call” to help your kid get over those rough spots and understand concepts that they find challenging. The same applies if you’re an adult just starting out. Having that little bit of extra help may make the difference between a good book that sits on the shelf, and one that launches you or your kid into the world of programming..