Thoughts About the Best Introductory Language
Linked by Thom Holwerda on Wed 11th Apr 2007 16:35 UTC, submitted by ShlomiFish
General Development "What makes programming languages are suitable or unsuitable as introductory languages? Which languages are better learnt first and at which order? And why what the masses think is the most suitable introductory programming language is not in fact that. This paper examines several approaches to which programming language is the best, and afterwards gives several useful relations for which languages should come first. Finally it gives a final verdict, defends it and then gives some other good food for thought."
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RE: What do we want them to learn?
by CrLf on Wed 11th Apr 2007 23:00 UTC in reply to "What do we want them to learn?"
CrLf
Member since:
2006-01-03

Python could be three times as slow and still be a good language for beginners. The point is to teach programming as a way of thinking about problems, and not just "coding".

If the language is good in helping newbies "get" programming, then they'll be able to tell a particular language is adequate for the job or not, and they'll also be able to learn a new language quickly if needed.

And, btw, Python isn't slow.

Yes, it's slower than a bunch of languages out there, like C and Java and stuff, but that's exactly why there are all those languages out there. Python fits most needs, but when you need performance, you look elsewhere. At least, you look elsewhere for a language that allows you to make modules callable from Python ;) .

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