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LOGO-L> Real Languages?
Michael Tempel (michaelt@media.mit.edu)
Thu, 17 Aug 95 15:24:42 -0400
Pat Gray distiguishes between "real" languages such as
Pascal and C, and "learning langauges" where he places Logo.
By "real" he means langauges designed for writing
applications, for implementing solutions to clearly defined
problems. This is what most professional programmers do,
and most of the thousands of programming languages support
this activity.
As Jeff Richardson pointed out, Pat miscategorized Pascal,
which was built as a languge for teaching a particular style
of top down, structured programming.
Yes, Logo is primarily a laguage for learning, but one of
the areas you can learn about using Logo IS computer science
- Check out Brian Harvey's three volume "Computer Science
Logo Style".
And, Logo is also being used to write applications. Turtle
Math, MicroWorlds, and My Magic Castle, are written in Logo.
Object Logo and Mach Turtles Logo allow you to create stand-
alone applications.
But for the most part, Logo is used to learn about things
other than computers and programming. Math, and especially
geometry, have historically been the most popular areas of
Logo work. But Logo has been used in all areas: language,
science, music, robotics...
In some Logo environments - LogoWriter and especially
MicroWorlds - the most common kinds of projects are
multimedia presentations and video games.
I suspect that most people tuning in to this forum are less
interested in programming per se, and more interested in
using Logo for learning about other things.
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Michael Tempel Tel: 212 765 4918
Logo Foundation FAX: 212 765 4789
250 West 57th Street
New York, NY 10107-2228
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