this post was submitted on 21 Oct 2026
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Programming
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Honestly, I hate JavaScript, but I like JavaScript for this. You don't need a compiler and every computer has an interpreter for it. You could make a baseline thing and let him tinker. It comes with excellent developer tools with breakpoints, stepping, live editing. It's literally the least you have to do to make working interactive code.
Or another option is there was Robocode — a tank game where you program an autonomous robot to win a battle royale. Or there is Screeps — a StarCraft like game where you write code for different buildings and units and attempt to conquer the land.
I like the idea of code-as-gameplay. You get to play while being pushed to write more sophisticated code in order to do better.
I understand you idea, but I'm afraid JS could teach some weird behaviour and also isn't easy to debug sometimes
At least I didn't like my time with it, because it has so many quirks.
But for a quick hack of something, maybe
Although I'm more inclined with python, when it comes to scripting languages
Maybe I'll also make a basic Linux course with a bit of command piping and simple bash scripts