This paper examines the use of Java as a first programming language, in the light of well-established principles of software engineering, and the increasing concern with correctness, performance, and maintainability. We argue that Java is markedly inferior to Ada or C++ as a language for introductory Computer Science courses, and that its widespread use in the training of tomorrow’s software engineers is counterproductive.
This paper examines the use of Java as a first programming language, in the light of well-established principles of software engineering, and the increasing concern with correctness, performance, and maintainability. We argue that Java is markedly inferior to Ada or C++ as a language for introductory Computer Science courses, and that its widespread use in the training of tomorrow’s software engineers is counterproductive.