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"but my money is that most programmers learn Python as their nth language, where n > 2." Off the top of my head, I know at least 3 Universities (near me in Can
by paulitex 16y ago
"but my money is that most programmers learn Python as their nth language, where n > 2."
Off the top of my head, I know at least 3 Universities (near me in Canada: UBC, SFU, UofC) that have recently switched to Python as the first language taught/used in their CS programs.
There is a real demand for intro Python books. And IMHO Python is a pretty good first language.
- Psyonic 16y agoMIT recently switched from Scheme to Python for their intro class
- what 16y agoUToronto switched from Java to Python a couple years ago. I wonder what my high school is using, they started us with BASIC, then Java and finally a little C... I was pretty well prepared for first year.
- cdr 16y agoPython really does seem to be a strong contender for the post-Java university language. IIRC they were looking into it at my alma mater.
- foenix 16y agoSFU still requires their students to learn Java. Python is the introductory programming language of choice, and the introductory programming course is centered around it, but it isn't a requirement. (reference: http://www.cs.sfu.ca/undergrad/Advising/programs/majors.html http://www.cs.sfu.ca/undergrad/Advising/programs/majors.html ; I'm also close to the associate dean). That being said, Python is a wonderful language to get started in programming.
- froo 16y agoI think the Head First series is actually quite good for teaching Python as a first language. I recently purchased the Python one (it's just called Head First Programming from memory) for a friend who wanted to start with coding and she picked the basic concepts up pretty quickly.
- nhebb 16y agoSo apparently the smart money finds out what I'm betting on and bets the other way. :-)