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On 9/23/15 4:24 PM, Al Sweigart wrote:
I'd move a REPL from the "nice to have" to the "mandatory" list. The interactive shell is really nice when the student just has to learn what a new function or method does.
+1 REPL as mandatory. It's really helpful for interactive programming in a classroom setting. I use it all the time with folks just starting out.
The most common confusions students have told me about with IDLE are:
- Mixing up the interactive shell and file editor windows.
- Mixing up Python 2 and 3 (either the wrong code or running the wrong IDLE)
+1 for Python 3 only
Agreed. Less issues to explain when Python 3 only.
+1 for using PyPI as a Python appstore. I think this idea has promise. One of Scratch's great features is that students can upload and show off their programs.
Just a heads up (though I suspect you are aware)... PyPI will likely be replaced by the project currently named "Warehouse" which will be much more visually appealing.
Scratch :D
+1 for syntax highlighting. Don't discount how colorful text improves the coolness of coding for students. Even if they change the colors to look like a garish MySpace page.
Carol
-- *Carol Willing* Developer | Willing Consulting https://willingconsulting.com