Re: Ada as a First Language

[dewar@merv.cs.nyu.edu (Robert Dewar)]

Alan asks

<<The only possible better language from a teaching viewpoint I am aware
of would be BLUE, from the University of Sydney.
BLUE does, however, have its own disadvantages. It's great for teaching,
but not-so-good for any practical purpose.
>>

There are a number of teaching languages that are of themselves quite
attractive from a pedagogical point of view. I helped develop one of
these IITRAN, at IIT in the 70's (it would probably be considered out
of date at this stage :-) Another more recent attempt is ABC from Lambert
Meertens at CWI.

The trouble with using one of these languages is that there is very little
external support available. In the case of Ada 95 for example, there are
a number of different CS1/CS2 texts to choose from, and many internet
resources, including adahome, and a load of freely available Ada code.
Not to mention easily available compilers on nearly all machines.

Still, I think if one of these languages is used in a place where there
is real enthusiasm and knowledge about it, then its use can be quite
successful -- at least that is certainly what we found using IITRAN
at IIT in the 70's.