Part of the point of SICP is to be generic about its programming principles. The core principles and concepts are independent of any particular programming language (so long as it has first class functions, and probably a few other common features). Since Scheme has virtually no syntax it was an ideal language for Ableson & Sussman’s course. It’s notable that SICP spends hardly any time teaching the language.
I’ve never understood, therefore, the motivation behind trying to “translate” SICP into a language like JS (or Python, etc.) It over emphasizes the importance of the preferred language in a way that very obviously undermines the book.
The point being: if you’re gonna do SICP do it in Scheme. You’ll get more out of it.
Yes, Lockhart! This is why you shouldn’t post with jet lag.
He uses a similar approach in “Arithmatic”. He begins the book by describing different base number systems used throughout human history (the way different civilizations did “counting”). He does that in order to argue that a number itself shouldn’t be confused with its representation.
I might check out “Measurement” next! Thanks for the recommendation.