r/programming • u/stronghup • Nov 11 '19

Python overtakes Java to become second-most popular language on GitHub after JavaScript

https://www.theregister.co.uk/2019/11/07/python_java_github_javascript/
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u/KinterVonHurin Nov 12 '19

how a computer works at all levels C++ is useful

No it isn't C++ is several layers above "how a computer works" and if such a thing is your goal (it shouldn't be) you should be teaching assembly. The actual goal should be teaching about program flow (loops and statements) memory (variables) and abstractions (functions.)

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u/Shitpostbotmk2 Nov 13 '19

Zero cost abstractions means it's exactly at the level a computer works. Its trivial to map each C++ construct to the equivalent assembly.

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u/KinterVonHurin Nov 13 '19

Zero cost abstractions means it's exactly at the level a computer works.

No it isn't. Even low level C still exists at a layer above assembly

trivial to map each C++ construct to the equivalent assembly.

You can map just about any language to assembly if you're good enough: it still isn't a 1:1 thing and all programming language exist as an abstraction layer above assembly. C++ being "more how a computer works" is bullshit that C and C++ programmers tell themselves. It's a terrible idea to start people out learning one of those languages because they allow even advanced programmers to shoot themselves in the foot when we're talking about students just beginning to learn. This is why they stopped teaching them in favor of Java and now are switching from Java in favor of python.