(OP here.) It really is an excellent guide. Maybe even the best introduction to programming for children I've found so far. Obviously written and structured with true care -- e.g. note that it teaches file saving and loading only in Chapter 8, not earlier. So the rationale seems to be that up to this point, the child should focus on typing in those really short programs; no need to save, yet.
Also, as a non-native speaker (and a computer hobbyist, not an educated IT guy), I would point out that the language of this guide seems really-really good.
The author seems to be a collector of old computer books for kids as well [1] -- this very probably also contributes to why his QB guide feels so well polished. The author very successfully avoids overwhelming the kids with programming terms; he is really careful in introducing those. Also, the sentences are simple, short and to the point; and somehow... warm, empathetic towards the (learning) child.
I'm actually in the process of translating this to my language (Estonian), and going through the exercises simultaneously with our 10yo son. I think we're doing great! That Blue Screen of QB really helps in maintaining a child's focus. QB is a notably good IDE for kids, maybe almost unbeatable in this regard even in 2023?
Also, as a non-native speaker (and a computer hobbyist, not an educated IT guy), I would point out that the language of this guide seems really-really good.
The author seems to be a collector of old computer books for kids as well [1] -- this very probably also contributes to why his QB guide feels so well polished. The author very successfully avoids overwhelming the kids with programming terms; he is really careful in introducing those. Also, the sentences are simple, short and to the point; and somehow... warm, empathetic towards the (learning) child.
I'm actually in the process of translating this to my language (Estonian), and going through the exercises simultaneously with our 10yo son. I think we're doing great! That Blue Screen of QB really helps in maintaining a child's focus. QB is a notably good IDE for kids, maybe almost unbeatable in this regard even in 2023?
1: http://tedfelix.com/books/index.html and http://tedfelix.com/cs4kids/index.html
2: see also the author's additional tutorial, Sprites in QBASIC: http://tedfelix.com/qbasic/sprites.html