Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

I would also add. Don't introduce a language by showing how to compute the Fibonacci sequence.

I never have and never will need to compute the Fibonacci sequence. Recursion is such an infrequent part of everyday programming that it doesn't really matter if a language makes it easier.




It is frequent in some applications, and when programming in languages that encourage you to recur instead of looping (see: functional proramming). Also, recursion is one of the most important concepts of computer science.

I didn't really use recursion in my programming until I switched from C++ to Common Lisp.


It's true that it's fairly infrequent, but it doesn't follow that it doesn't matter if a language makes it easier. When it's applicable, it simplifies things enormously.




Consider applying for YC's W25 batch! Applications are open till Nov 12.

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: