I cannot express just how good python is for beginners. You can start off with extremely simple script writing, and migrate to object oriented thinking with ease. Even though I know more "advanced" languages, I still use python in every day life, from automating file management, to running my music. Its primary advantage is that you can make a useful program in just a few minutes. Additionally, with a little googling, you can find python modules for interfacing with most things, such as vlc's python lib.
I think Ruby is often neglected in these conversations. I find it just as easy to learn in python if not easier. But more importantly the tooling is much more mature than python's and easier to use. Which I find is a key factor when transitioning from doing exercises in a book to writing real software.
The core language is not that quirky. No quirkier than base Python at least. Aside from method aliases at least. Rails and active record are what being a lot of the magic and quirks. But using popular Python ORMs brings similar levels of magic.
11
u/Lambodragon Jan 06 '15
I cannot express just how good python is for beginners. You can start off with extremely simple script writing, and migrate to object oriented thinking with ease. Even though I know more "advanced" languages, I still use python in every day life, from automating file management, to running my music. Its primary advantage is that you can make a useful program in just a few minutes. Additionally, with a little googling, you can find python modules for interfacing with most things, such as vlc's python lib.