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:
1) Mixing up the interactive shell and file editor windows.
2) 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