Closed GoogleCodeExporter closed 8 years ago
Zero-based numbering is confusing to new programmers, which is why most intro
languages such as Basic, Lua, Moo, Scratch and Blockly all use one-based
numbering.
Even programmers sometimes prefer one-based lists. Think about the last time
you saw a code editor list the first line as zero.
Blockly quietly converts the one-based lists to zero-based when compiled into
JavaScript, Dart or Python.
It's a good question, and it's not too late to change this. But from early
feedback I think most non-programmers and novice programmers prefer counting
from one. Granted, it's irritating for experienced programmers such as us.
And making it a preference would lead to even more confusion once we have code
sharing and libraries.
Original comment by neil.fra...@gmail.com
on 11 Jun 2012 at 4:44
That makes sense - I'm so used to 0-based indexing that I didn't even consider
that it might be that. I wouldn't suggest changing it either, my experience is
that 0-based indexing is only easier if you've had your mind warped in a way
most non-programmers haven't.
It might be helpful if there was a short "here's a handful of things you'll
have to keep in mind if you're a programmer" document pointing stuff like this
out.
Original comment by christia...@gmail.com
on 11 Jun 2012 at 6:40
I have no issue with one-based numbering for newbie. But please return a
readable error. I've figure out an hour why I got 'undefined' when trying to
get item at 0.
Original comment by neizod
on 16 Jun 2012 at 5:14
Original issue reported on code.google.com by
christia...@gmail.com
on 11 Jun 2012 at 2:58Attachments: