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I'd say HtDP is a good book for learning programming, but I don't think it's the best introduction to Racket. It also uses a specially crafted languages (a seri

I'd say HtDP is a good book for learning programming, but I don't think it's the best introduction to Racket. It also uses a specially crafted languages (a series of them) and focuses on the process of coming up and implementing the design, while removing most of the usual problems (cryptic error messages, too complex docs, too advanced techniques) which the beginners encounter. It's great as an introduction to programming, and it's even worthwhile a quick read for more experienced programmers (esp. self-taught), but it's definitely not about learning Racket, at all. The Little Schemer may be slightly better, but on its own, it too is not about learning Racket. Actually, I guess there's no book about Racket itself (EDIT: other than this one to some extent (in "explainers")) - existing books either focus on the basics of programming (HtDP, Realm of Racket) or on specific algorithmic problems and techniques (The X Schemer, SICP). Which is kind of natural given the educational background, but it makes it harder for already established programmers to learn Racket to get the job done.

Sinidir 8y ago
Exactly my thoughts the last time i looked at learning resources in respect to Racket.
Scarbutt 8y ago
After you have read HtDP2e, I found that racket-lang.org has all you need. The Little Schemer may be slightly better, but on its own, it too is not about learning Racket. Although they overlap on some topics, comparing little schemer to htdp is comparing apples to oranges. Also, htdp is just racket in my opinion, it differs very little from the students languages, I did the whole thing using just plain racket and didn't have any problems that couldn't be solved in two minutes visiting docs.racket-lang.org (and they were rare), but sure, you won't get to know all of racket because that's not the point of the book.
baldfat 8y ago
Well, I would have to say the documentation is so well done that it is fairly easy to find whatever you are trying to do. The tutorial steps and answers are straightforward. http://docs.racket-lang.org/quick/index.html http://docs.racket-lang.org/quick/index.html I do think there is a need for more YouTube videos on the basics. I seriously think Racket is way better than any other for scripting and quick programs. It just needs some more libraries which comes with more developers. THE ONE WEAKNESS OF RACKET = Everyone just solves the same problems over and over again because it is so fun and easy.

Sinidir 8y ago

Exactly my thoughts the last time i looked at learning resources in respect to Racket.

Scarbutt 8y ago

After you have read HtDP2e, I found that racket-lang.org has all you need. The Little Schemer may be slightly better, but on its own, it too is not about learning Racket. Although they overlap on some topics, comparing little schemer to htdp is comparing apples to oranges. Also, htdp is just racket in my opinion, it differs very little from the students languages, I did the whole thing using just plain racket and didn't have any problems that couldn't be solved in two minutes visiting docs.racket-lang.org (and they were rare), but sure, you won't get to know all of racket because that's not the point of the book.

baldfat 8y ago

Well, I would have to say the documentation is so well done that it is fairly easy to find whatever you are trying to do. The tutorial steps and answers are straightforward. http://docs.racket-lang.org/quick/index.html http://docs.racket-lang.org/quick/index.html I do think there is a need for more YouTube videos on the basics. I seriously think Racket is way better than any other for scripting and quick programs. It just needs some more libraries which comes with more developers. THE ONE WEAKNESS OF RACKET = Everyone just solves the same problems over and over again because it is so fun and easy.