Quote from Dijkstra[1]:
The training of programmers cannot be “easy”, for programming is, and will remain difficult. The point is that “learning the language” should, indeed, be a minimal affair, and the major attention should be given to mastering an orderly discipline how to use it.
[1] Dijkstra, E.W., “Comments on ‘Woodenman’ HOL requirements for the DoD”, EWD526 PDF.
The Craft of Coding 