Re: [TCLUG:13004] AP Comp. Sci.

[Ben Kochie <ben@nerp.net>]

C++ is not a bad language, but it is still low level enough that it should
not be used as an initial CS teaching language.

Thank You,
        Ben Kochie (ben@nerp.net)

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 "Unix is user friendly, Its just picky about its friends."

On Fri, 28 Jan 2000, Eric M. Hopper wrote:

> On Fri, Jan 28, 2000 at 08:07:46AM -0600, Ben Kochie wrote:
> > LOL, I know another teacher at a tech school that comes on IRC just to
> > discuss linux, and more ways to tourcher his electronics class students.
> > 
> > as far as teaching CS to students.. I was in the honors CS classes
> > up at UMD (when there still was such a thing) and we used scheme for
> > our first language.  not the most usefull thing in the world, but it
> > was great for teaching.  tim.. you have mentioned python before, and
> > I think that's another good one.. things like C++ can be a little
> > too platform specific for students.. and teaching platforms isn't a
> > good idea, even if it is on linux.  CS students should be taught a
> > language that has no platform.. instead of teaching C++, teach java.
> 
> 	What?!?
> 
> 	When there's no realy decent Java VM for Linux, and tons of
> decent ones for Windows?  When there may not be any for OS/2 anymore?
> When you can't really run Java on a Palm Pilot?  I can't believe you
> said that!
> 
> 	Now, I agree that Java is probably a better teaching tool than
> C++, but it's cross-platformness isn't the reason.  You can write
> perfectly OK C++ programs that should run just about anywhere that has a
> C++ compiler these days.  I've had lots of practice.  :-)
> 
> 	If you're talking about GUI programs, yeah, Java is the best
> you're going to get from a cross-platform standpoint.  That is, unless
> you're willing to contort your program to fit into Javascript and HTML.
> 
> 	I can't believe the amount of C++ FUD in the Linux community.
> And I can't imagine why it's there.  Every time I mention C++ on
> Slashdot I get about 5-10 flamers telling what an idiot I am for even
> mentioning the language.  It's ridiculous.
> 
> *sigh*,
> -- 
> Its name is Public Opinion.  It is held in reverence. It settles everything.
> Some think it is the voice of God.  Loyalty to petrified opinion never yet
> broke a chain or freed a human soul.     ---Mark Twain
> -- Eric Hopper (hopper@omnifarious.mn.org  http://omnifarious.mn.org/~hopper) --
>