Sir, – The idea that simplified software coding will increase the number of good programmers ("Stephen Wolfram tells SXSW anyone should be able to code", March 17th) is flawed. Learning a computer language is only the first baby step in becoming an effective producer of robust and efficient applications.
While every schoolchild should indeed be encouraged to acquire them, there is also the essential need for analytical, logical and quantitative skills, among others.
Mr Wolfram might as well expect that everyone who can communicate in a written language will automatically be literarily proficient, or that the countless thousands who are familiar with the rules and moves of chess can all go on to become even decent tournament players.
Up to now, anyone with the aptitude to be a programmer has been more than amply motivated to also learn an appropriate coding language. – Yours, etc,
SEAMUS McKENNA,
Windy Arbour,
Dublin 14.