Why I Chose Python as the First Language to Learn
The code is a lot simpler than C/C++ and Java. You get to focus on developing your skills as a computer scientist and worry less on the syntax and semantics. MIT teaches Python in their CS1 course due to its simplicity. Here’s a comparison:
Assignment: Print “Hey Gio” on the screen in Java
print class Hello{
public static void main(String args){
System.out.prntln(”Hey Gio”);
}
}
Assignment: Print “Hey Gio” on the screen in Python
def main():
print “Hey Gio”
main()
Great difference, right? Python can serve as a stepping stone to more complex languages to learn. I feel that if I started with C or Java, then I would probably be overwhelmed and quit. I will be self taught with no professors and college friends to study with. The best route in this case will be easier route which is Python.
Adam said,
January 8, 2008 @ 10:00 am
hehe sort your tabbing out
(just popped over here from seobook btw)
Adam said,
January 8, 2008 @ 10:03 am
I learnt Perl first then at uni they’re teaching us Java.
Java so much more rigid it gets kinda frustrating- I just want to go with the flow I don’t want to have to worry about declaring data types and other things.
Should have added this to the first comment I realise
Give me a ping when you’ve been blogging on here a bit long and I may subscribe :p
Giovanna said,
January 8, 2008 @ 11:25 am
Hi Adam,
Thanks for popping by. Apologies with the tabbing. Wordpress was a bit uncooperative with the indenting unless it was a block quote.
I’ve heard horror stories about Java and couldn’t understand how some laud it as a beautiful, elegant language.
I guess it’s worth learning down the road (After C/C++ and Ruby) but for now, I’ll be Python girl.
Giovanna