Why should this course be interesting?

    - Scheme is an example of a general-purpose programming language.
      This means that it can express and solve all computable
      functions. (This is also known as Turing-complete.) 

    - There are problems that will involve uncomputable functions.
      Practical computing involves the domain of computable tasks.

    - The structure of practical computing is determined by asymptotics,
      problems that can be approximated to arbitrary precision.

    - Programs are extremely malleable.  They are as malleable as
      thought, in that a single modification involves understanding of
      the entire design. (c.f. friendship --> falling in love)

Why is Scheme Used?

    - Input/Output is implemented well for pedagogical purposes.

    - Object-oriented aspect implemented well.

    - Scheme is a functional programming language (i.e. the style for
      expression is handled as in math functions).  This is different
      from procedural languages.

Practical DrScheme information:

    - There are various options for the language, including beginner,
      intermediate, advanced, and professional settings.  Each imcrement
      provides a larger subset of the standard functionality.

    - We will begin on the beginner settings.  It excludes more
      complicated functionality that will disrupt the learning process.
      We will move onto more complex settings soon, though.