Python for beginning programmers

(written on ohloh [1] for Python)

Since we already have two good reviews from experienced programmers, I'll focus on the area I know about: Python as first language.

My experience:

• I began to get into coding only a short time ago. I already knew about processes in programs, but not how to get them into code.
• I wanted to learn C/C++ and failed at general structure. After a while I could do it, but it didn't feel right.
• I tried my luck with Java and didn't quite get going.
• Then I tried Python, and got in at once.

Advantages of Python:

• The structure of programs can be understood easily.
• The Python interpreter lets you experiment very quickly.
• You can realize complex programs, but Python also allows for quick and simple scripting.
• Code written by others is extremely readable.
• And coding just flows - almost like natural speaking/thinking.

How it looks:

def hello(user):
    print("Hello " + user + "!")
hello("Fan")
# prints Hello Fan! on screen

As a bonus, there is the great open book How to Think Like a Computer Scientist [2] which teaches Python and is being used for teaching Python and Programming at universities.

So I can wholeheartedly recommend Python to beginners in programming, and as the other reviews on Ohloh show, it is also a great language for experienced programmers and seems to be a good language to accompany you in your whole coding life.

PS: Yes, I know about the double meaning of "first language" :)