New programming course

[Simbax]

Drawing is easier than managing a base - it's basically chapter 1 + pendown() and penup(), while managing the base introduces at least grab(), drop() and radar() (and perhaps some more, like space()).

Not necessarily. Managing the base requires mainly learning to use instructions. Almost no abstract concepts involved here. Managing the base is something that feels "real". The hardest part of programming is to learn to think abstract, and drawing makes it easier to focus on the syntax of the language instead of the game mechanics. As I said, I would like there to introduce variables, loops, functions, conditions... I had this in mind: http://greenteapress.com/thinkpython/htm...on005.html

I like the analogy to driving a car, but at the same time, it makes me feel like it's a manual process instead of programming.

I'm not sure what you mean? Anyway, these are only titles, they can be changed easily. I just wanted to make it look like the exercises are consistent and parts of a bigger whole. To give the player feeling that what he's doing has a purpose and it ends somewhere.

And... the topic of environment again. This script is not as environment-independent as I hoped it would be. If we are going to use the training before mission theme which most of the people seemed to like, we can't make the first mission end with SpaceShip takeoff, and preferably we shouldn't use aliens - they spoil the missions too much. The original programming course was designed with whatever assets were already in the game, we could be creative and add some new things here.

Yes, unfortunately, this plan is less flexible in terms of the environment. However, I don't know how else the course can be made interesting. It can't be just like a boring interactive textbook.

SpaceShip can be replaced with the goal area for now. About aliens, well, what else can we use? We don't have many enemies to choose from and I'd also like some flying targets like wasps in the next chapters :/