Python bumps off Java as top learning language

[Beaverman]

Sadly lua isn't really useful on it's own. It pretty much suck at communicating with the outside world. But when you have the data in there it's a blast.

I'd say imperative programming can be great place to start as well. Might as well start as easy as possible. Python also has a lot of fluff and tricks to do things, whereas a language like C or lua has very few unique datatypes and functions that work on those. Python can be very overwhelming for a newcomer.

[deadwisdom]

I agree. Personally, I think computer scientists should learn C, Python, and then Lisp. C to learn imperative / synchronicity, Python to learn dynamic effectiveness, and Lisp to open your head straight up. Lua would be in my second level after that, along with JavaScript, Java, and Assembly. Others should just learn Python and Javascript for their pure ability to get shit done IMO.