Re: [Edu-sig] Python as a first language for computer sciencist
I have in recent years taught Python, Scheme (DrScheme), ML (SML), SmallTalk (Squeak), and Prolog (SWI) to college seniors in a Programming Languages course. Without any scientific "evidence", I can only tell you that they *loved* Python and tolerated the rest. But of course, how this would apply to a less sophisticated audience I cannot say.
In support of this, I've taught Python and Java to hundreds of students in the last few years, and most really like Python. There are definitely some who prefer Java, in part because the development tools are better (e.g. Eclipse) and the community is bigger. Toby -- Dr. Toby Donaldson School of Computing Science Simon Fraser University (Surrey)
Dr. Toby Donaldson:
There are definitely some who prefer Java,
My friend Gerald would count as one. He wrote close-to-the-metal C for years, and despaired of finding a language that'd be up to realizing his day dreams, inspired by Snelson, then Fuller (he called it Elastic Interval Geometry or EIG). Then Java came along, and a primitive AWT. Everything started working. A dream come true. And the tools have been improving ever since (JBoss etc.). Gerald became an excellent Java programmer, used his skills to carve a brilliant paying career -- *and* in his spare time he wrote Fluidiom.[1] Whereas Gerald might empathize with those who use Python for the most part, he has no need of it. He's got it made. More power to him. I salute the Java juggernaut and wish all aboard her safe passage.[2] Kirby [1] http://worldgame.blogspot.com/2005/10/wanderers-20051018.html (Addendum) [2] my daughter was learning the word 'juggernaut' the other day; I'll show her my using it in this sentence.
participants (2)
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Kirby Urner -
Toby Donaldson