If I understand it correctly, the intent of this format is to let the reader pick up enough of the language to be able to read code without getting frustrated.

If I understand it correctly, the intent of this format is to let the reader pick up enough of the language to be able to read code without getting frustrated. I think this is a good goal, and there is indeed some value in it. These languages are complex enough that articles in this vein are useful. They are not, and -cannot- should not, replace documentation and tutorials. Edit: punctuation