in reply to Is CPAN fish or fishing?

Although pointing toward a module on CPAN is in the manner of handling someone a direct answer rather than having them search for it themselves, people who want to learn can do so using indutction. If they see enough examples of CPAN module usage, they will get the idea that CPAN must be generally useful and will investigate further. So pointing toward CPAN is analogous to letting someone watch you fish for the meal you give them. They'll eventually learn enough to fish themselves while not starving.

As for giving code vs. pointing to a module, pointing to a CPAN module is a quick, easy answer that encourages reuse. But module use may retard development of coding skills that will be needed when there is no module around to do what you need. Just like calculus, learn how to do it yourself first, then you can consult the integral tables.

-Mark

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Re: Re: Is CPAN fish or fishing?
by chromatic (Archbishop) on Oct 28, 2003 at 00:58 UTC

    I love bad analogies. That's why I make so many of my own. :)

    But module use may retard development of coding skills that will be needed when there is no module around to do what you need.

    Discouraging module use for the sake of "learning how to do it myself!" may retard development of coding skills that will be needed when you have to do something right. Just like calculus, use a teacher — or, at least, a really good book — to learn how to do it.

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      And is not the analogy of this site based on the monastic societies where the uninitiated would go to learn. So would it not be the duty of the monks to help the initiates?

      So are not the monks supposed to be the teachers? Or are they just to point people towards their favourite bible, saying the camel is better than the lizard that the lion eats in the desert.

      I am new here, but I appreciate the fish with my fishing lessons. Though I am still really learning to tie my lures.

[reply]

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