The document discusses the author's experience learning to program, beginning with an unsuccessful attempt using C followed by success with Python. It argues that Python is better suited than C for beginners due to its simplicity and extensive libraries. The author contributes to open source projects using Python and finds learning additional languages easier due to the Python experience. It suggests that introducing Python earlier could help more students succeed in programming and technical interviews.

1. Python as a Learning
Language (an
undergraduate student's
view)
Rishi Mukherjee
3rd year
Computer Science
NITMAS, Kolkata

2. My Story
•C and disaster.
•Introduction to python.
•BIG change.
•Algorithms and python.
•Introduction to programming contests.
•Contribution to FOSS with python.
•Learning other languages became easy.

3. C and Disaster
•Introduction to the C language
#include<stdio.h>
int main()
{
printf("Hello World!n");
return 0;
}
• My Reaction

4. Python and Awesomeness
•Introduction to Python Language
print "Hello World!"
•My Reaction.

5. Introduction to Programming
Contests and Experience
•SPOJ
•Codechef
•Google Code Jam

7. Contribution to FOSS
Image Processing with SimpleCV
•Bug Fixes
•Examples
CODE

8. Learning other Languages became
easy
•Learn to drive first.
•Only then try to know the machine.

10. Problems faced by Students of
Non-Top Technical Colleges
•Big issue being overlooked.
•Similar faces when introduced to C.
•Ignore programming.
•Code-o-phobia.
•Fear of Technical rounds at interviews.
•Waste of population.

11. Reasons for these problems
•Top tech college faculties are highly trained.
•90% students have no computer background.
•Unaware of the beauty of programming.
•Syntax and compile errors of C seem
confusing.
•Garbage in output seems confusing.
•Data type seems unnecessary to beginners.

12. C, Python and Pseudocode
CODE

13. Reasons to choose python in
colleges
•Python is simple.
•Python is object oriented.
•Learn it yourself (no dependence on the faculty)
•Awesome library.
•General purpose language.
•Great books and tutorials available.
•Programmer time more valuable than compiler time.
•Interpreted.
•Used in real world projects.
•Open Source.
•Universities like MIT teach python.

14. Why not scheme?
•Different from system languages.
•Python has advantages of scheme and is similar to
c, c++, and java.
•Easy code translation.
•Python has map, lambda etc for functional programming.
•Used for projects and companies all over the world.

15. An Issue to Discuss
Most parts of India, deprived of technical
workshops.

16. Suggestions to Spread Awareness
•Small groups of students and professionals in all parts of
the country.
•Online python software development event once a year.
•Groups teach students and faculties of colleges
occasionally.
•Algorithmic contests must allow python as a choice.

17. Conclusion

18. Question / Answer Time

19. Thank You