[Pythoncard-users] Scripting vs. Programming Users

Kevin Altis wrote:

>  > A sophisticated visual development environment is a must for non
>  > programmers.
>
>We definitely need to be precise here. I don't particuarly care about the
>non-programmers as far what you can do with PythonCard if non-programmers
>means people that aren't going to do any scripting in Python. Dan's
>"Inventive Users" are described as people "who are willing to learn
>scripting but not programming, and who need things that rapidly prototype
>and turn into usable application-like things with minimal hassle." I don't
>understand the programming part, since scripting is programming, but the
>rest sounds right for the less sophisticated programmer end of our audience.

I maintain (and it's completely off-topic which is why I started a 
new thread on it) that there are fundamental differences between 
programming and scripting. I outlined these in a book I wrote about 
300 years ago, but I think there was at least a mild consensus on the 
point then.

Simplistically, scripting removes barriers to entry to software 
development for people who aren't trained in computer science, 
algorithm design, and professional programming. Things like variable 
typing, explicit namespace management, and a bunch of other stuff I'm 
forgetting. At that time, it was also true that scripting languages 
were never compiled and progrmaming languages except for Smalltalk 
always were. That distinction's been blurred.

But I agree with Kevin here. PythonCard should be aimed at people who 
are willing to learn scripting (or what Kevin calls "less 
sophisticated programmer"). They might in turn build things for end 
users who just want to solve a problem. In fact, that's exactly what 
they'll do except much of the time the "end user" will also be them.
>
>I guess what I'm saying is that the intended audience I have in mind does
>not include people looking for a dumbed down FileMaker or HyperCard that
>only goes up to user level 4 (authoring). I'm aiming at people that want to
>use Python to solve problems and need a GUI interface.

I think that makes sense.
-- 
Dan Shafer, Author-Consultant
http://www.danshafer.com
http://www.shafermedia.com