[Edu-sig] Python, Pointers, and lots of Languages...

[Dethe Elza]

Python should definitely *not* be the first language students learn.  It
will irrevocably spoil them and they'll never go on to learn other
languages.

First-year students should be taught assembly or C++, possibly both. 
They can only use Perl for group projects that involve reading each
other's code.  Reports should be coded directly in Postscript.

Students should be discouraged from learning Python, if not outright
banned.  After all, we had to suffer to get where we are, why shouldn't
they?

tongue-firmly-in-cheek'ly,

--Dethe