Hacker News Reader

Comment by coward123 | Hacker News Reader

My son is learning Java and Python for a middle school class. I encouraged him to download Squeak and learn Smalltalk, as to my thinking a student is going to struggle to understand OOP if you jump into Java and Python. I know there are many OOP haters here on HN, but I'd encourage you to take a hard look at Smalltalk and consider how it approaches software engineering - it might convert you into a fan.

View on HN

I would argue that many don't hate OOP in general, but rather take issue with class-based OOP (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Class-based_programming) and the forcing of it as the default paradigm in various languages. There are other definitions as to what OOP is, and other paradigms that are useful.

"I made up the term object-oriented, and I can tell you I did not have C++ in mind." --Alan Kay

I'm quite sure that applies to Java's and Python's takes on it.

Many disliked the years of pushing class-based OOP as if the only or best answer to any programming problem must be its usage, when clearly that's not the case. Which functional languages shows, and the programming world did fine before class-based OOP became popular, for the wrong reasons.

Smalltalk OOP is totally different than the Java/Python/C++ creators' ideas of shoehorning OOP into descendants of C. I see value and have interest in one and despise the other.

If your son likes Minecraft I got into programming by developing minecraft mods (java modifications to the game) as a middle schooler / freshmen. I’m always thankful for it when I think back.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com