> I read the other day (but failed to really verify) that COBOL is so verbose in part because it was designed as a "no code" language that at least could be und

> I read the other day (but failed to really verify) that COBOL is so verbose in part because it was designed as a "no code" language that at least could be understood, and possibly written by "business people". So was ADA, allegedly. I don't find it more readable than C or C++, just more verbose. The issue is that, syntax doesn't matter when one still has to understand concepts BEHIND that syntax. Visual programming may help learning though. I learned OOP via Flash, learned SQL via some SQL editor, and learned basic ASP classic via Dreamweaver. But it's just a step, like ridding a bike with training wheels.