Evaluating Python as an Introductory Programming Language

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• Evaluating Python as an Introductory Programming
  Language
• A. Thomas and H.L. Liang
• UNISA

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Contents

• Introduction
• Background
• Aim of this study
• Evaluation approach and findings
• Conclusion
• Future research

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Introduction

• Programming in Computer Science Curriculum
• Aim of Introductory Programming
• Difficulties associated with learning programming
• Learning programming in distance education

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Background

• UNISA as an open and distance education
  institution
• First-level Computer Science modules at UNISA
• Focussing on the introductory programming module
  at UNISA
• - Objectives of the module
• - Implementation language
• - Learner Support
• - Pass rate

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Aim of this study

• To compare Python with C with respect to its
  syntax and structure
• We do not aim to challenge the present module
  content and delivery techniques

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Evaluation Approach and Findings

• Approach used
• Grouping of the results
• - Features of Python that will contribute to
  ease of learning
• - Features of Python that will not improve the
  ease of learning
• - Features of Python that could be
  problematic

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Features of Python that will ease learning

• Installation
• - How is it done now?
• - How can it be improved using Python?
• Introduction to Programming
• - How is it done now?
• include ltiostreamgt (1)
• using namespace std (2)
• int main() (3)
• coutltlt Hello World
• return 0

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Continued..

• - How can it be improved?
• print Hello World
• Simplicity in Syntax
• - Examples in Python
• No need to declare variables
• Multiple initializations of variables in a
  single line
• Inclusion of useful expressions
• Practice one concept at a time
• Easier translation of a solution into
  implementation

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Features of Python that will not improve ease of
learning

• Semantics to match expectations
• - meanings associated with , ,
• - array indexing
• Providing meaningful error messages
• Practicalities of the IDE
• Availability of on-line resources

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Features of Python that could be problematic

• Compilation vs. interpretation
• Syntactical challenges
• - Readability
• -Indentation
• Dynamic vs. static typing

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Conclusion and further research

• In this preliminary evaluation Python seems to
  have features that would ease the learning curve
  associated with learning a programming language
• However, all the aspects of the introductory
  programming module should be considered before
  making a conclusive decision
• The effect of including Python in the present
  curriculum should also be analysed