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I am seeing Python becoming the go-to language for many academics because it's easy to hack something together that somehow works. Unfortunately most of those

I am seeing Python becoming the go-to language for many academics because it's easy to hack something together that somehow works. Unfortunately most of those developers don't care much about efficiency and Python is out of the box inefficient compared to other high-level languages like Java [1] or C#. OO Java courses circulating in academia lack modern functional, and to be frank educational, concepts and must to be refreshed first. I personally would recommend to start with Java and Maven because it's still faster than C# [2], open source, and has a proven track record in regards of stability and backwards compatibility. Plus quickly introduce Spring Framework and Lombok to reduce boiler plate code. For advanced systems programming I suggest looking into Rust instead of C/C++. And last but not least the use of IDE's should be encouraged and properly introduced, so aspiring developers are not overwhelmed by them and learn how to use them properly (e.g. refactoring, linting, dead code detection, ...). I recommend Eclipse with Darkest Theme DevStyle Plugin [3] for a modern look. [1] https://benchmarksgame-team.pages.debian.net/benchmarksgame/fastest/python3-java.html https://benchmarksgame-team.pages.debian.net/benchmarksgame/... [2] https://benchmarksgame-team.pages.debian.net/benchmarksgame/fastest/csharp.html https://benchmarksgame-team.pages.debian.net/benchmarksgame/... [3] https://marketplace.eclipse.org/content/darkest-dark-theme-devstyle https://marketplace.eclipse.org/content/darkest-dark-theme-d...

kaba0 6y ago
I generally agree with you (especially on the update java guides), though I think it is important to teach C/C++ after some experience with a higher level language, if for nothing else, the large amount of already existing code bases. I also like the newfound interest in some FP languages, I for example had a mandatory Haskell course in first year — we did not take Monads in this course yet, but I think it is a great introduction for students for a different take from the more imperative world.
toxik 6y ago
Python and Java fill very different niches in the ecosystem. You're not going to cobble something together quickly in Java, the language just isn't designed to do that. Python is the software equivalent of cardboard-and-hot-glue prototyping, which is fairly common in academia.

kaba0 6y ago

I generally agree with you (especially on the update java guides), though I think it is important to teach C/C++ after some experience with a higher level language, if for nothing else, the large amount of already existing code bases. I also like the newfound interest in some FP languages, I for example had a mandatory Haskell course in first year — we did not take Monads in this course yet, but I think it is a great introduction for students for a different take from the more imperative world.

toxik 6y ago

Python and Java fill very different niches in the ecosystem. You're not going to cobble something together quickly in Java, the language just isn't designed to do that. Python is the software equivalent of cardboard-and-hot-glue prototyping, which is fairly common in academia.