By jsugrue
via java.dzone.com
Published: Jun 16 2008 / 11:35
Quite a few people recently have been blaming Java for part of the downfall in current computer science (CS) graduates. While I don’t particularly like java, I’d like to go to its defence to say that teaching Java is not the real reason that a lot of CS graduates are no good these days. I know this is a touchy subject for some people so I apologise in advance if I’ve offended anyone.
Comments
Abhay Bakshi replied ago:
http://www.dzone.com/links/java_isnt_the_problem.html
By puredanger
via doolwind.com
Submitted: Jun 15 / 23:16
Nick Brown replied ago:
I agree with each of his points, but his claim that the Dewar/Schonberg article is blaming Java is inaccurate. In fact, they argue some of the same points, such as the falling mathematics requirements. They claim that the movement to teaching Java as the first programming language is part of the problem, but not because Java doesn't have pointers. Its because it is part of a movement towards teaching cookbook-style formulas and not the fundamentals that are needed in a CS education.
Tantalus replied ago:
Seems like Java does make it hard to teach certain functional constructs, higher order functions, etc. I think Scheme is probably a better choice for first language. Depends on the purpose of the education. If it's to learn computer science, probably Java is a bad choice for a first language. If it's just glorified vocational training, it should be Java I suppose.
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