[Edu-sig] Python as a first language for computer sciencist

[Kirby Urner]

> Python falls short in this respect.  Consider this program:
> 
> def plus2(realNumber):
>  raelNumber = realNumber+2
>  return realNumber
> 

IDLE 1.1      
>>> def plus2(realNumber):
 raelNumber = realNumber+2
 return realNumber


>>> gimme = plus2(10)
>>> gimme
10

I seem to recall some external module that's paw through code looking for
potential problems of this kind.  

Technically speaking, there's no mistake here.  The coder created a local
variable that went out of scope.  He could always say "I meant to do that."

Kirby