It does really matter what programming language you learn, the basic principles are much the same (at least within the imperative/object orientated paradigm). Python is nice because it is simple, yet powerful. It also encompasses functional programming, which is often taught in computer science curricula.
The University I attended is considering switching from Java to Javascript for its basic introduction programming course. The problem the lecturer saw with Java was that in order to teach something as simple as printing to the screen, you end up with this:
Code:
public class HelloWorld {
public HelloWorld() {
System.out.println("Hello World");
}
public static void main(String args[]) {
HelloWorld hello = new HelloWorld();
}
}
This can be simplified a little by doing the print inside the main method, however sooner or later you need other methods. In the above example, you need to explain (to many who haven't programmed before) what an object is, what a constructor is, the difference between static and non-static methods (this causes headaches), etc.
All they really want to be teaching is things like printing, logic flow (if, while, etc), maybe reading/writing files, etc. All the complicated stuff like objects, exceptions, oo vs procedural comes later. However, if a person can write a for loop and an if statement in one language, then they can do it in another language. Chances are the languages you will be using when you leave Uni won't have even been invented yet. For example, C# didn't exist when I started Uni and now there are whole industries revolving around it.
Anyways, good luck Nova. Make sure you take a couple of math classes too. And whats wrong with "comp sci"? We call it "cosc" (koh - sk) over here.
esus saves.... Passes to Moses, shoots, he scores!
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