They're an absolutely fantastic way to start 'getting' any language. They're small, discrete, and varied tasks that require you to build different types of operations and structures. Sure, they're not at all reflective of 'real programming' nor are they necessarily particularly challenging, programming wise.
I'd rather cut my teeth in a new language on the first 50 or so PE problems, than take on a bigger, less defined, or more domain limited task.
I'm conversant in Python and Erlang because of PE problems entirely. They've enabled me to start actual projects in both languages.
I'd rather cut my teeth in a new language on the first 50 or so PE problems, than take on a bigger, less defined, or more domain limited task.
I'm conversant in Python and Erlang because of PE problems entirely. They've enabled me to start actual projects in both languages.