It depends on how you learn, and there is no single correct answer. For me, and the students I have taught, I think Python is the best language to introduce ab

It depends on how you learn, and there is no single correct answer. For me, and the students I have taught, I think Python is the best language to introduce absolute novices to simple concepts in programming. I then switch to Java and explain the fundamentals of CS from the ground up. Once a student has a grasp of python and Java they have a simple scripting language and industry standard maintainable language under their belt. They understand all the basic concepts in CS and can extend to new languages and concepts on their own. The next step would be to use C++ in the application of algorithms and memory management. By starting in python then java, you avoid really interacting with pointers and memory which, in my opinion, makes it easier for students to focus on one concept at a time. Too often in intro classes, it starts with simple concepts like types, but rapidly branches to require the student to understand many concepts at once. _TL;DR_ Python, then Java, then C++