Brad N Bendily <brad@selu.edu> writes:
> What do you all think is the best language for a newbie
> to learn?
Beginners should be given a language that automatically manages
memory. This excludes C and C++. (Otherwise, they'll spend most of
their time figuring out all the core dumps.)
Beginners should be given a language with dynamic typing. This
automatically excludes Java and (I think -- could be wrong) C#.
(Otherwise, they'll end up having to write an new iterator for
each new class they create).
That leaves you with languages like Perl, Python, Lisp, Scheme, etc.
Beginners should avoid Python because then they'll think they are
superior. Better to stick with Perl so they learn some humility at
the hands of the Python snobs.
I suppose programmers should learn C in the same way everyone used to
learn Latin, but I wouldn't expect that to be the primary language.
C and Assembly will be needed for things like embedded
micro-controllers and kernel hacking, but even hand-held computers
have plenty of speed and plenty of RAM, so I don't see much use for
those languages in the near future.
Mark.
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Received on 07/13/03
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