It obviously depends on the Basic version but I think it's hard to argue that Python is simpler than Basic in general (e.g. OO, FP are quite complex topics for

It obviously depends on the Basic version but I think it's hard to argue that Python is simpler than Basic in general (e.g. OO, FP are quite complex topics for newbies) plus all the libraries - it's a lot for a beginner to take in. I do think that there is an interesting point around whether you could usefully define a subset of (say) Python as a better first language. I've not seen anyone do that but seems like might be worth trying.