> programming is closer to composing than performing. This dependents on individual viewpoint though. Salvador Dalí said (paraphrased be me) expert artists are

> programming is closer to composing than performing. This dependents on individual viewpoint though. Salvador Dalí said (paraphrased be me) expert artists are just good at hiding where they stole an idea from. Take any technical skill - music, cooking, athletics, etc. - what exactly is a novice looking to learn? Someone looking to learn, say, self-defense is not interested in kinesiology or designing their our combative system. I just want to cook, vs. I want to create my own takes on dishes. > In that sense, it’s more important to get a feel for theory and aesthetics of programming. Unfortunately, I disagree and would say this is a fundamental difference in Eastern vs. Western style education philosophy. Western is a little more about the theory and understanding the why; however, I think it provides a weak foundational knowledge of how to translate theory to application. To paraphrase Mike Tyson this time, everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face. My opinion is that giving students a stronger foundational knowledge in the beginning allows for us to speak theory later because I can trust that you have the ability to implement that theory.